History has been made in Lamu following the graduation of 484 students from the Kizingitini Technical and Vocational Education Training Centre on Thursday.
The colourful ceremony was presided over by Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha, Education executive Paul Thairu and other officials.
This is the only TVET in Lamu East, an area that has been largely marginalised and plagued by all manner of challenges from insecurity, drugs and poverty.
The graduation was a first since the inception of the institution, 25 years ago.
The 484 graduands were drawn from the institution and four satellite TVETs in Siu, Faza, Tchundwa and Pate islands. They graduated in various technical and entrepreneurship courses.
Eighty-five students received ICT certificates, 25 received certificates in plumbing, 15 electrical course certificates, 15 carpentry and joinery certificates, 124 certificates in dressmaking, 200 certificates in henna paintings and 20 got beauty and treatment certificates.
Governor Twaha assured the Lamu East community that his administration remains committed to empowering local youths through education by equipping them with employable technical skills.
“We have made far-reaching reforms in the TVET sector to churn technologists and artisans required to contribute to Kenya's and Lamu's industrial goals," he said.
"We have opened 14 satellite TVETs, scrapped all fees and expanded the curriculum to ensure our centres continue to be accessible to young people for free where they can learn and develop the technical skills needed in today’s job market.”
Twaha challenged the youths to take advantage of the expanding TVETs opportunities to create a brighter future for themselves.
Thairu said the county’s commitment to increase the number of graduates with technical expertise mirrors the national government's ambition to reduce a skills gap that exists in building infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 development goals.
“The Lamu county government has implemented far-reaching reforms in the TVET sector to produce the technologists and craftsmen needed to help Kenya and Lamu achieve their economic aspirations,” Thairu said.
The governor also presided over a similar joint ceremony for the Lamu and Mokowe TVET, which was held at the latter’s compound.
“The majority of Lamu TVET graduates in electrical and automotive engineering, ICT, welding, plumbing, masonry, and carpentry possess the core expertise necessary in LAPSSET and other infrastructure building components,” Twaha said.