The number of students enrolling in Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across Trans Nzoia County has surged following Governor George Natembeya’s fulfilment of his campaign pledge to increase capitation to Ksh 45 million in the current financial year.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Education Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama said the funding boost has significantly impacted enrollment, with students now flocking to the 32 Vocational Training Centers spread across the county.
“The governor’s commitment to technical training education is bearing fruit, and we are witnessing a steady increase in the number of young people seeking vocational skills,” said Mutama during a sensitization meeting with parents and students in Trans Nzoia East Sub-County.
She noted that the increased capitation aligns with the county’s push to equip youth who recently completed primary and secondary education with marketable skills.
“This is a promise fulfilled, and it is opening doors for thousands of youths looking for practical skills to secure their future,” the county executive added.
Mutama also lauded the county’s Revenue and Enforcement Departments for their support in supplying uniforms to VTC staff.
Trans Nzoia VTCs to make uniforms for students
She emphasized the need for further engagement, suggesting that VTCs could be involved in making uniforms for students under the county’s scholarship program and producing desks for early childhood development (ECD) classrooms.
“We encourage other county departments to collaborate with VTCs to ensure the sustainability of these institutions and enhance learning opportunities for our children,” she said.
Trans Nzoia County Director of Vocational Training Eliud Lusweti echoed these sentiments, stating that the county government is working on a specialization model for VTCs to streamline trade courses and address trainer shortages.
“Specialization will allow centres to focus on specific trades, optimizing resources and ensuring quality training. This will help tackle the challenge of limited trainers, tools, and equipment,” said Lusweti.
He further praised the Members of the County Assembly, led by Education Committee Chairman Joshua Cheloti, for their role in supporting trainees through bursaries. He called for additional funding from ward-specific allocations to improve infrastructure in vocational centres.
“The current capitation mainly supports teaching and learning materials, but we need more investment in infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment,” Lusweti noted.
To address staffing and equipment shortages, Lusweti revealed that a third consignment of tools and equipment from Poland’s Tools to Work organization is set to arrive soon, further strengthening vocational training in the county.
