Yatta, Kenya – A groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by Area Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Basil is set to reshape the future for thousands of young people in the constituency who face financial barriers to higher education or have dropped out of school. The program, which commenced in December, actively identifies and fully sponsors candidates for market-relevant artisan courses at Yatta Technical and Vocational College.
Grassroots Mobilization and Selection
The initiative is a robust partnership between the MP’s office, the National Government through the Provincial Administration, and the community. The process began at the sub-location level across Yatta’s 8 locations and 23 sub-locations—Matuu, Mavoloni, Kithimani, Ndalani, Ikombe, Katangi, Kyua, and Kinyaata.
Local administrators, including DCCs, ACCs, Chiefs, and their Assistants, conducted sensitization and interviews. Successful candidates received official letters to report to the college, with MP Basil coordinating their transport from villages to the institution. From over 1,000 qualified youths, the first batch of more than 100 students has already been enrolled and reported, accompanied by the area chiefs who helped in the selection process.
Comprehensive, Market-Driven Course Offering
The program is designed to impart practical, lifetime skills that directly link to employment opportunities. The sponsored artisan courses include:
Electrical Installation & Engineering
Cosmetology, Beauty Therapy, and Hairdressing
Masonry, Carpentry, Building & Construction
Fashion Design and Clothing
Plumbing
Automotive Mechanics
Social Work and Community Development
Basic Agriculture and Farming
Innovative Funding Model: CDF and Bank Partnership
To remove all financial hurdles, a unique sponsorship model has been established. The total cost for these short courses ranges between KShs 20,000 and 30,000. The Yatta Constituency Development Fund (CDF) commits an upfront payment of Kshs 10,000 per student, matched by another Kshs 10,000 from the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). This guarantee allows students to begin classes immediately, with the CDF pledging to clear any remaining balance for parents unable to pay.
Leadership and Stakeholder Vision
Speaking during the launch, MP Robert Basil emphasized technical training as the critical pathway to livelihoods for youth unable to join universities. “This is a collaboration between my office, the National Government, and the local community. I will ensure beneficiaries are assisted to build their career paths,” he stated. Basil highlighted the global demand for such skills, noting opportunities in countries like Qatar, Dubai, and others. He also revealed ongoing talks with the Ministry of Housing to develop affordable hostels at the college.
Mathias Makewa, the Regional Director for TVET in the Nyanza region, underscored the program’s national significance. “If education is the key to life, then TVET is the master key,” he said, applauding the collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. He confirmed the initiative validates TVET as a powerful alternative for youth to access the job market.