Governor Wesley Rotich’s youth empowerment Program dubbed ‘Tujiajiri’ has kicked off with hundreds of youth undertaking various technical courses in a number of Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
The Ksh30 million scholarship program fully funded by the County government in conjunction with the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) foundation has benefited at least 500 youth.
According to Mike Mosi, the County government Director for Sports and Youth Affairs, out of the Ksh30 million, both Governor Rotich’s administration and KCB will spend Ksh15 million each.
Iten Vocational Training Centre Manager Mark Kilimo whose institution received 100 slots said all the learners reported for studies this term.
The Polytechnic with a current student population of 470 offers a wide range of artisan courses including Welding, motor vehicle technology, Hair dressing, Tailoring and dress making, Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Other courses include Plumbing, Electrical, Food and beverages and beauty.
Jobs abroad
The trainees are examined by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
“NITA or KNEC Certificate is recognised by employment bureaus both locally and internationally. Infact, we have our former students who have been able to secure jobs overseas,” Kilimo said.
Though a good number of the students graduating from polytechnics have been venturing into self employment after acquiring skills, Kilimo said some of them have sought jobs outside Kenya.
“With grade (|||) NITA Certificate, or KNEC Certificate anyone has capacity to secure employment anywhere.”
Further Kilimo says the school has 15 staff nine of who are government employees and six paid by the school Board of Management (BOM)
Speaking to Governor’s Press at the sidelines of assessment of Devolution progress, Kilimo said Iten Polytechnic has the capacity to equip the learners with the necessary skills with which they required to use to start up their own businesses upon completion of the studies.
Tujiajiri scholarship program is not limited to paying fees but it will extend towards purchasing the successful students a tool kit comprising all the necessary equipment required to commence practice.
