By Abigael Kibanga
Nyamira County has intensified its push for vocational and technical skills training after graduating 709 trainees from 26 Vocational Education and Training (VET) centres.
County Governor Amos Nyaribo and KCB Foundation said the initiative is aimed at producing entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
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The graduates were awarded certificates during a ceremony held at Sironga Grounds in West Mugirango, where Nyaribo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to technical education through scholarships and partnerships.
The graduation was conducted in collaboration with the KCB Foundation under its 2Jiajiri Programme, which supports youth skills development and enterprise creation.
As part of the event, 100 graduates received business start-up toolkits in various trades to help them transition into self-employment and business ownership.
Governor Nyaribo said the county was investing heavily in practical skills training as a strategy for tackling unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
“This graduation of 709 trainees from our 26 Vocational Education and Training Centres is a major milestone as my administration invests in skills for entrepreneurship,” he said.
The governor noted that the county had lowered financial barriers that often prevent young people from accessing technical training through full and partial scholarships offered in partnership with the KCB Foundation.
“Through these skills, we are engineering and entrenching a socioeconomic revolution underpinned by solution-driven innovation. We are no longer training job seekers, but employment creators in the diverse sectors of our economy,” he said.
The KCB Foundation said the 2Jiajiri Programme continues to equip young people with practical vocational skills, entrepreneurship knowledge and opportunities that enable them to generate income and create sustainable livelihoods.
KCB Foundation Head of Programmes Joblin Omari said the programme is designed to empower youth by linking skills acquisition with enterprise development and employment opportunities.
The graduation ceremony brought together education stakeholders, county officials, parents and development partners in a show of support for technical and vocational education as a pathway to economic empowerment.
Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ongechi, who delivered the keynote address, described vocational training as a critical pillar in Kenya’s development agenda and commended Nyamira County for investing in skills development.
“This event presents a unique opportunity to appreciate the effort of investing in technical training,” said Prof. Ongechi.
He also praised the county government for expanding access to technical education through scholarships supported by the KCB Foundation.
“I want to applaud the County Government of Nyamira under the leadership of Governor Amos Nyaribo for his efforts to expand access to technical training through full scholarships in partnership with KCB Foundation,” he said.
Prof. Ongechi further revealed plans to establish a university college in Nyamira under the mentorship of Kisii University, saying the institution would initially operate as a constituent college before eventually attaining full university status.
The governor thanked the KCB Foundation for partnering with the county in transforming the lives of young people through skills training and enterprise support.
He also acknowledged the participation of County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, members of the County Assembly and other leaders who attended the event.
Officials said the graduation reflects the growing role of technical and vocational education in equipping young people with marketable skills and supporting local economic development as counties seek solutions to youth unemployment.
