Nyamira County has taken a major step in strengthening vocational training after Governor Amos Nyaribo launched a KSh 30 million full scholarship programme targeting 579 trainees across 16 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
The initiative is a partnership between the Nyamira County Government and the KCB Foundation, aimed at expanding access to skills training and promoting job and wealth creation among youth.
Expanding Access to Skills Training
Speaking during the launch in Nyamira town, Governor Nyaribo urged young people to embrace vocational training as a viable pathway to self-employment and economic empowerment.
“We are eliminating financial barriers and investing in market-driven courses to empower our youth and build an inclusive society,” he said.
The programme targets trainees pursuing courses such as:
- Mechanics
- Tailoring
- Masonry
- Electrical installation
Additional Support for More Trainees
To widen the impact, the governor announced an additional KSh 10.5 million allocation to support 1,786 trainees through partial scholarships.
The move is expected to significantly increase enrolment and ensure more young people have access to technical training.
Boosting Entrepreneurship
According to Joblin Omari, Head of Programmes at KCB Foundation, the initiative goes beyond training to support entrepreneurship.
He revealed that the top 50 performing trainees will receive toolkits upon graduation to help them start their own businesses.
“This programme empowers youth not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he noted.
Strengthening TVET for the Job Market
Nyamira County CECM for Education Emily Ongaga emphasized that vocational training is critical in preparing young people for the realities of today’s job market.
She noted that equipping trainees with practical skills enhances innovation, self-reliance and economic sustainability.
Manga Ward MCA Samuel Ogeto, who chairs the County Assembly Education Committee, welcomed the initiative, pledging continued legislative support for programmes that empower youth.
Driving Inclusive Growth
The scholarship programme aligns with the county’s broader agenda of youth empowerment through skills development and economic inclusion.
Stakeholders say such partnerships between government and private-sector players are key to expanding opportunities, reducing unemployment, and building a skilled workforce.