Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has outlined sweeping gains in technical and vocational training in Kisumu, positioning the sector as central to tackling youth unemployment and driving grassroots economic transformation.
Speaking during the third joint Vocational Training Centres (VTC) graduation ceremony, the governor said his administration has deliberately prioritized skills development as a core pillar of development.
“Today marks not just the completion of training, but the emergence of a cadre of skilled, empowered and self-reliant citizens. The true wealth of a society lies in the knowledge, skills and innovative capacity of its people,” he said.
A total of 3,165 trainees, among them 1,557 men and 1,608 women graduated after undergoing training in 11 disciplines aligned to labor market demands.
Their qualifications were certified by national bodies, including the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC), giving them recognition both locally and internationally.
Nyong’o said the milestone reflects the county’s commitment to empowering youth with practical, marketable skills while expanding access to vocational training across all wards.
“When you entrusted me with the mandate to serve, I made a firm commitment to equip our youth with skills, expand access to training and promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to job creation. What we witness today is clear evidence that we are delivering on that promise,” he said.
The governor highlighted increased budgetary allocation to the sector, noting that in the current 2025/2026 financial year, the county has set aside Sh125.5 million for capitation to support trainees and Sh. 25 million for modern training equipment.
He said the county has also intensified efforts to address trainer shortages, revealing that 25 instructors were recruited in the previous financial year, with another 25 set to be hired this year.
“These are not mere expenditures they are strategic investments in human capital, which remains the most critical asset of any progressive society,” Nyong’o said.
He noted that the county is aligning its training programmes with emerging global trends to ensure graduates remain competitive, including competency-based education and training, recognition of prior learning, digital and innovation skills such as ICT and automation, as well as green and climate-smart technologies.
He added that the county is strengthening industry linkages and embracing modern training models to respond to a dynamic global economy.
Nyong’o said the long-term vision is to build a competitive, inclusive and future-ready TVET system aligned with industry needs and technological change, enabling youth to participate meaningfully in economic development.
“The world will not reward your certificate alone. It will demand your skill, discipline, creativity and resilience,” he told the graduands.
He emphasized that skilled youth will play a central role in shaping the county’s future, noting that development will be driven not just in boardrooms but in workshops, garages, studios, farms, and enterprises led by trained young people.
County Executive Committee Member for Education (CECM) Joh Awiti said enrolment in vocational training centers has grown sharply, signaling rising confidence in technical education.
He noted that the number of trainees has increased to 6,545, with projections of 7,500 by May and more than 8,000 by next year.
“This is not just growth in numbers, it is growth in opportunity, dignity and hope,” Owiti said.
He added that the county is targeting an estimated 9,000 youths who miss out on university and college placements annually, positioning VTCs as an alternative pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
Awiti said the county has disbursed over Sh319 million in grants since 2018 to support trainees, alongside expanding infrastructure and increasing the number of training centers from 21 to 28, with more under construction.
He said the county has also invested in workshops and hostels to improve training quality and student welfare, while recruiting trainers to bridge staffing gaps and enhance delivery.
Awiti emphasized that the focus is not only on access but also quality, noting that ongoing investments in equipment, trainers, and facilities are aimed at ensuring graduates acquire relevant, market-ready skills aligned to industry demands.
By Owen Yimbo and Chris Mahandara
