In a landmark event, Trans Nzoia County on Thursday held its first countywide graduation ceremony for Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) at Kitale School, marking a significant milestone in the county’s commitment to technical skills training and youth empowerment.
Governor George Natembeya, who presided over the colourful event, announced that a strategic increase in capitation funding — from Ksh. 2,000 to Ksh. 13,000 per learner — had led to a 20% surge in VTC enrollment, underscoring the growing demand for hands-on skills training in the region.
🟢 Key Highlights:
✔️ Capitation funding raised from Ksh. 2,000 to Ksh. 13,000 per student.
✔️ Enrollment in VTCs increased by 20% since the change.
✔️ 824 students graduated from various technical courses.
✔️ Ksh. 15 million worth of modern training equipment already provided; more expected this year.
✔️ Volunteer instructors to be prioritized for official hiring.
✔️ Graduates encouraged to apply for AGPO tenders via the Nawiri Fund, with 350 groups to be funded in 2024.
💬 Governor Natembeya: “Skills Are the Future”
Governor Natembeya reaffirmed his administration’s prioritization of technical education, viewing it as key to self-reliance and job creation.
🗣️ “We have deliberately increased capitation to ensure our youth access practical skills that can transform their lives,” he stated.
He further revealed that, in partnership with a development donor, the county had already distributed Ksh. 15 million worth of equipment to VTCs and plans to deliver another batch by year-end.
👨🏫 On staffing, the Governor commended VTC instructors for their dedication and pledged formal employment opportunities:
“Priority will be given to those who have volunteered in our training centres,” he affirmed.
📢 From Training to Entrepreneurship: The Nawiri Fund Advantage
As part of post-graduation support, the Governor advised the graduates to register business groups and apply for Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), noting that these tenders would be financed through the Nawiri Fund.
💼 In 2024, the Department of Trade is targeting 350 youth and women groups for funding, enabling graduates to launch businesses and access government contracts.
“Our aim is not just to train but to empower our graduates economically,” Natembeya emphasized.
🛠️ A Skilled Workforce Ready to Build Trans Nzoia
The ceremony celebrated 824 graduates who completed training in diverse fields including:
🔹 Food Production & Services
🔹 ICT
🔹 Agribusiness
🔹 Electrical Installation
🔹 Motor Vehicle Mechanics
🔹 Garment Making
🔹 Metal Processing Technology
🔹 Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
🔹 Building Technology
These graduates now form part of a skilled workforce poised to contribute to Trans Nzoia’s economic development through employment and entrepreneurship.
👥 Dignitaries in Attendance
The event drew a wide range of county leaders and stakeholders, including:
- County Secretary Truphosa Amere
- Education CEC Janerose Mutama
- MCAs Obed Mwale (Matisi), Kefa Were (Kapomboi), and Erick Wafula (Hospital)
- Chief Officers, Directors, and VTC Instructors
📌 Looking Forward
Governor Natembeya’s administration continues to redefine technical education in Trans Nzoia through funding, equipment, and employment support.
As the first graduation ceremony sets the tone, the county envisions greater enrollment, stronger public-private partnerships, and a generation of skilled, self-reliant youth.
🎯 “This is just the beginning. Our youth have the tools — now let them build,” the Governor concluded.
