The Kericho County Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic pillar for youth empowerment, skills development, job creation and long-term socio-economic transformation.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 1,600 trainees from Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the county held at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, Governor Dr Erick Mutai said sustained investment in vocational education has repositioned Kericho as a leading hub for skills development, innovation and enterprise.
Dr Mutai noted that the county’s vocational training centres have evolved into vibrant engines of socio-economic transformation, deliberately designed to equip young people with practical, market-driven skills aligned to the evolving demands of the labour market.
He said that by nurturing a skilled and self-reliant workforce, the VTCs are enhancing employability and entrepreneurship while safeguarding young people from idleness, social vices and economic vulnerability.
“Our vocational training centres across the county have become hubs of transformation, enrolling, equipping and graduating young people who might otherwise be left behind,” said the governor.
“The confidence and optimism reflected on the faces of today’s graduates is a clear testament to the impact and success of our Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme,” he added.
Dr Mutai revealed that a number of graduates from Kericho’s VTCs have secured employment opportunities beyond Kenya, including overseas placements, a milestone he said reflects the quality, competitiveness and labour market relevance of training offered in the county.
He observed that the programmes are equipping learners with practical competencies that meet both local and international industry standards, positioning graduates to compete effectively in an increasingly globalised labour market.
Education County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Judith Chirchir said the graduation ceremony underscored the county’s unwavering commitment to equipping young people with practical, industry-aligned skills that enhance employability and drive economic growth.
She highlighted the impact of the Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme, implemented in partnership with the KCB Foundation, which has sponsored over 2,000 trainees across the county, significantly expanding access to vocational education.
“The County Government remains committed to strengthening vocational education and training and supporting our youth as they transition into the labour market,” said Chirchir.
She also lauded partnerships with development organisations, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO–ACCEL Africa), which have supported trainer capacity building, entrepreneurship development and enterprise incubation.
According to the CECM, these collaborations ensure that trainees are adequately prepared for both wage employment and self-employment.
In a related development, Chief Officer for Education, Culture, Libraries and Social Services Richard Tonui said the county has prioritised the expansion and equipping of existing VTCs while responding to rising community demand for skills training.
He said three new vocational training centres have been established this year in Benditai, Kabarak and Chemorir to increase access to training opportunities.
Additionally, Mr Tonui noted that three more VTCs in Kaborus, Cheptenye and Chamamanyik are currently under construction and are expected to be operational by next year.
Governor Mutai further revealed that since 2022, the County Government of Kericho has trained a total of 10,752 youth through its vocational training centres, firmly positioning TVET as a cornerstone of employment creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Graduation data showed that the 1,600 trainees completed courses in diverse technical disciplines, reflecting the breadth and inclusivity of the county’s vocational training programmes.
The graduates included 339 in hairdressing and beauty therapy, 235 in tailoring and fashion design, 214 in plumbing, 189 in electrical installation, 179 in motor vehicle mechanics, 160 in masonry, 116 in food and beverage production, 92 in welding and fabrication, 67 in carpentry and joinery, and nine in information communication technology.
The CECM commended instructors, VTC managers, parents and industry partners for their role in ensuring training remains relevant, practical and responsive to labour market needs.
Graduates were urged to apply their skills with confidence, integrity and innovation and to become job creators and ambassadors of excellence as Kericho County continues to position TVETs as a foundation for inclusive growth and economic transformation.
By Gilbert Mutai
