The Finlay Community Trust has funded the setting up of state-of-the-art Mechanical and Masonry Workshops at Sot Technical Training Institute in Merigi Ward, Bomet East Sub-County.
Speaking during the commissioning of the workshops, Sot TTI Principal Mr. Robert Cheres said the new workshops will play a transformative role in equipping learners with the relevant technical skills.
“This Sh10.1 million investment by Finlay Community Trust is a game-changer for our institution and the entire community with more than 690 students benefiting annually, gaining practical, hands-on skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market,” said Mr. Cheres.
Expressing his gratitude, Cheres added that the workshop facility will not only enhance the institution’s training capacity but also inspire confidence among students pursuing careers in mechanical and masonry fields.
“We are deeply grateful to Finlay Community Trust for this support. It is a clear demonstration of what strong partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector can achieve.” He added.
He further observed that the new facilities at Sot TTI are set to address critical gaps in infrastructure and skills training in the region’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The Finlay Community Trust is an independent charity that endeavours to empower communities and nurture sustainable growth in Bomet and Kericho Counties.
Funded collaboratively by Browns Plantations Kenya (formerly James Finlay Kenya) and Finlay, the Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental and economic benefits by taking a collaborative approach in working with the local communities in development projects and social services.
Speaking during the function at Sot TTI, Ambassador Joshua Terer, Vice Chairperson of Finlay Community Trust, emphasized the long-term impact of this project saying it’s a milestone of the century for the youths and as far as technical sector is concerned.
“These workshops are more than just brick and mortar; they are a bridge to opportunity for hundreds of young people in our community. We believe in empowering youth with practical skills that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and a brighter future. This is how we bridge the gap between learning and earning,” said Terer.
Bomet County Deputy Governor Shadrack Rotich applauded the Finlay Community Trust investment as a strategic move towards economic empowerment and youth development in the region.
“This investment marks a proud moment for Bomet County. This is more than an infrastructure project; rather a powerful vote of confidence in the potential of our youth. Indeed, these workshops will help facilitate the equipping of our young people with the essential skills for self-reliance and employment and therefore drive local economic growth,” said Rotich.
The new workshops are part of a broader initiative by Finlay Community Trust to strengthen TVET education across Bomet and Kericho counties. With a recent move, the Trust has just completed the construction of a Civil Engineering Workshop at Chepseon Youth Polytechnic in Kericho County.
With Kenya’s TVET enrolment surpassing 500,000 students up from 275,000 in 2018, the demand for technical training continues to grow.
However, access to infrastructure for quality training remains a challenge and this calls for a collaborative approach between the government institutions and the private sector to bridge the gap.
And the Finlay Trust targets investments directly addressing infrastructural issues, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework.
Beyond infrastructure, the Trust also supports students through its annual TVET Scholarship Programme, which currently aids over 40 students with graduates receiving Sh50,000 tool kit to support their transition into the workforce.
Since 2010, Finlay Community Trust has invested more than Sh320 million in 79 transformative educational projects.
And as Kenya pushes forward with industrialization and job creation, initiatives like these are vital for empowering communities and building a skilled workforce.
By Nickson Terer
