Enrolment in vocational training centers in Uasin Gishu county has increased to more than 4,000 students due improved facilities and public sensitisation on the importance of technical skills.
The county has 13 VTCs. Governor Jonathan Bii says in the next financial year his administration will allocate more funding to procure modern equipment for the institutions.
“Our VTCs have recorded marked improvement in the last one year and so far the institutions have registered an increase in student enrolment because of the continued support and sensitisation,” Bii said.
He also said the national government will soon partner with counties to offer the youths more opportunities to get skills from the VTCs so that they are equipped to be engaged in affordable housing projects.
"Through the collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service and National Youth Service, our VTCs will now serve as recruitment centres for local and international job opportunities. We fully support the plan,” Bii said.
He presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Sergoek VTC and handed over a bus to the institution. The bus was bought by the county government of Uasin Gishu while construction of the administration block is being financed by Rafiki wa Maisha International, which is a French organisation.
Governor Bii said the county was undertaking several other projects including the aggregation parks, export processing zones and the Eldoret iconic market which will require the expertise of learners from VTCs.
Bii hailed Rafiki ya Maisha International for support in the construction of the two-floor administration block at the Sergoek VTC. Rafiki ya Maisha secretary general Christian Roth said they believe in the transformative power of education to uplift individuals and communities.
“ We are proud to partner with Sergoek VTC in this endeavour and also happy to work with Uasin Gishu county to support the youth,” he said.
Roth said the administration block sponsored by his organisation will serve as a hub for academic coordination, student services and administrative functions and help in enhancing the learning environment and supporting the growth of students.
County executive for Education and Training Anthony Sitienei said they recognise the invaluable contribution of Rafiki ya Maisha International in supporting the development of infrastructure at Sergoek and Koshin TTI.
Chief officer for Vocational Training Marion Birgen encouraged youths in the region to join VTCs. She revealed that more funds have been committed to provide bursaries to those who will be enrolling.
