The Safaricom Foundation, in collaboration with the County Government of Isiolo, has officially handed over modernised facilities and equipment at ‘Uhuru TVET Center’ to bolster technical training for local youth.
The Sh11 million investment is part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Mashinani and Wezesha Vijana programmes that aim to address overcrowding and the lack of adequate learning tools that have previously hindered vocational training in the region.
The Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu, was the guest of honour at the commissioning ceremony in Isiolo town.
He highlighted the power of public-private partnerships in transforming community livelihoods, saying the collaboration was vital for the youth to gain skills that would enable them to venture into gainful employment.
Mr. Ogutu said the technical skills learned in TVETs were more than just courses and especially through proper networking, the successful youth from these institutions could easily do high-quality work, hence become highly sought after in the market and contribute significantly to the national economy. The initiative was supported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Isiolo Deputy Governor James Lowasa, who accompanied Mr. Ogutu, noted that the programme has already benefited 215 learners across the county in the two phases since inception last year.
“Youth without market-ready skills are often vulnerable. By sponsoring them to sharpen these skills, we are making them competitive for both the job market and self-employment,” Mr. Lowasa stated.
To further this momentum, the Deputy Governor announced that the County Government plans to invest an additional Sh17.8 million to develop four other TVET institutions across the county by procuring modern materials and equipment.
The ‘Wezesha Vijana’ programme offers intensive three-month courses in high-demand fields, including mobile phone repair, motor vehicle and motorcycle mechanics, electrical installations, plumbing, masonry, and pastry and baking.
Among those who received completion certificates were Caroline Kinya and Jamal Mohamed. Expressing their gratitude, the graduates noted that the training has empowered them to launch their own enterprises. “We now have the skills to remain relevant in a competitive market and the confidence to run our own businesses,” said Kinya.
The move is expected to bridge the technical skill gap in Northern Kenya, providing a sustainable pathway for youth to move from dependency to becoming key players in the local economy.
By David Nduro
