Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has officially commissioned Mitoto Vocational Centre for the visually impaired, a new facility expected to expand access to technical and vocational training for learners living with visual impairment. The centre, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through Deutsches Blindenhilfswerk, Ananse and Sallus Oculi Kenya, is the first of its kind in the region. The facility features dormitories for boys and girls, a bakery, a kitchen, classrooms, and other amenities designed to provide learners with an enabling environment for education and skills development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Natembeya said the institution would serve as a Centre of Excellence for learners with visual impairment from Trans Nzoia, neighbouring counties and across the border. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all learners, regardless of their circumstances, have access to education and practical skills that can enable them to earn a living.
“This facility is one of its kind in this region, and it is going to help empower our students living with these challenges. This emphasizes commitment to ensure a level playing ground for all children irrespective of their status,” Natembeya said.
The Governor also commended development partners for supporting the establishment of the facility, saying the county government was exploring ways of expanding the centre, including acquiring additional land.
“Through our collaboration with our partners, we have been able to establish a world-class facility here. We are now looking into how to expand it further, including purchasing more land,” he added.
Mitoto Vocational Centre Board Chairperson Joyce Nakhanu welcomed the investment, saying the new infrastructure had significantly improved the institution’s capacity to accommodate and train learners.
Nakhanu noted that the centre now has adequate classrooms and separate dormitories for boys and girls, among other facilities.
She urged parents and members of the community with children living with visual impairment to enroll them at the institution and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the new facility.
“It would be a big loss to the county, after our partners have put up such a massive facility, to miss out on learners,” she said.
Nakhanu further called on the County Government of Trans Nzoia, through the Department of Education and Vocational Training, to continue supporting the institution by providing additional staff.
The commissioning of Mitoto Vocational Centre marks a significant step towards making technical and vocational education more inclusive, while giving learners with visual impairment an opportunity to acquire practical skills and pursue greater economic independence.