In a significant boost to Kenya’s technical workforce, Laikipia County is preparing to graduate over 1,200 skilled artisans from its network of Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) before the close of the year. The announcement, made by Governor Joshua Irungu, marked a major achievement for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the region.
The mass graduation, heralding a new generation of certified craftspeople, was highlighted during a ceremony at the Nyahururu Vocational Training Centre, which alone accounts for 650 of the graduating trainees.
The graduates have completed intensive, hands-on training in high-demand fields crucial to national development projects. Their competencies span:
- Electrical Installation
- Plumbing
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Automotive Engineering
Governor Irungu confirmed that the training has already yielded tangible results. “Most of the graduands have already secured opportunities in the ongoing Affordable Housing projects within the county,” he announced, demonstrating a direct pipeline from the classroom to the job site.
Furthermore, he assured that all students from the county’s 11 VTCs are qualified for industrial attachments in various sectors, including water companies, providing them with invaluable on-the-job experience.
A key pillar of Laikipia’s TVET success is the county government’s direct financial support. To ensure that no potential is left untapped due to poverty, each student receives up to KSh 10,000 in fee support.
This commitment was echoed by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Jane Alice Chiuri, who emphasised the dual advantage of VTC education. “This training equips our youth for both self-employment and formal employment,” she stated.
CECM Chiuri also spotlighted a critical aspect of the program: its link to national certification. She reaffirmed the county’s campaign to encourage youth to join VTCs and the Jua Kali sector, where they can be certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
“This NITA certification is a game-changer,” she noted, “It opens doors to more competitive and better-paying opportunities, both locally and internationally, by validating their skills with a nationally recognised credential.”
The message from county leaders was unified and clear: technical skills are a viable and prosperous career path.
The graduation of over 1,200 artisans is more than just a ceremony; it’s a direct investment in Kenya’s economic backbone. By aligning training with national projects like the Affordable Housing Programme and ensuring skills are standardised through NITA, Laikipia County is creating a powerful model for other counties to follow.