Kericho County has firmly positioned Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the heart of its development agenda, graduating 1,600 trainees in a ceremony that showcased the power of vocational skills in shaping futures and fueling local economies.
Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, speaking at the event held at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, described the county’s Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) as “vibrant engines of socio-economic transformation” deliberately designed to equip youth with practical, market-aligned skills.
A Strategy for Skills, Work & Dignity
Since 2022, the county has trained 10,752 youth through its VTCs, with many graduates now securing employment both locally and internationally. This milestone underscores the quality and labour-market relevance of the training offered.
“Our vocational training centres have become hubs of transformation, enrolling, equipping and graduating young people who might otherwise be left behind,” said Dr. Mutai.
The county’s Equalizer Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme, run in partnership with the KCB Foundation, has so far sponsored over 2,000 trainees, dramatically widening access to skills development.
Expanding Access, Building Infrastructure
To meet growing demand, Kericho has:
– Established three new VTCs in Benditai, Kabarak and Chemorir.
– Begun construction of three more centres in Kaborus, Cheptenye and Chamamanyik, set to open next year.
Chief Officer for Education, Mr Richard Tonui, emphasized that infrastructure expansion is paired with equipping centres to ensure training remains practical and industry-responsive.
Partnerships for Quality & Employability
Education CECM Ms. Judith Chirchir highlighted strategic collaborations with organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO-ACCEL Africa), which support trainer development, entrepreneurship incubation, and enterprise skills.
These partnerships ensure that trainees are prepared not only for employment but also for self-employment, embedding an entrepreneurial mindset from the start.
Graduates: A Snapshot of Diverse Skills
The 1,600 graduates completed training across high-demand trades, including:
– 339 in Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
– 235 in Tailoring & Fashion Design
– 214 in Plumbing
– 189 in Electrical Installation
– 179 in Motor Vehicle Mechanics
– 160 in Masonry
– 116 in Food & Beverage Production
– 92 in Welding & Fabrication
– 67 in Carpentry & Joinery
– 9 in ICT
Leaders urged the graduates to apply their skills with confidence, innovate, and become creators of employment, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives sustainable development.
Kericho’s model demonstrates how county-led investment in TVET can reduce youth vulnerability, bridge skills gaps, and lay a firm foundation for long-term, inclusive economic growth.