Kisumu Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) to Offer Market-Driven Courses
The Governor of Kisumu County, Anyang’ Nyong’o, has announced that the Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in the county will offer training programs and courses that address specific issues within the community.
This is part of the curriculum domestication that is being advanced through the Technical, Vocational Education and Training Bill, 2023, which seeks to streamline the sector’s operationalization for sustainability.
The Governor emphasized the need for VTCs to shift from a theory-based curriculum to competency-based training, which equips youths with hands-on experience to fill skill gaps that exist within the community.
He assured that all VTCs in Kisumu will adopt locally customized courses that equip trainees with life and entrepreneurial skills to get jobs or be self-employed.
These courses include masonry, tile laying, welding and fabrication, plumbing, hairdressing, tailoring, carpentry and joinery, shoe making and repair, motorcycle repair, panel beating, electrical wiring, cake making, brick making, driving course, poultry keeping and dairy farming.
During the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Lela VTC in Kadibo Sub County, the Governor noted that VTCs play a pivotal role in conducting skills training that matches the labor market.
He added that the milestone corroborates his agenda to establish Innovation and Business Incubation Centres in the County.
The County Government of Kisumu plans to expand its VTCs base by ensuring that at least one facility is set up in every ward.
The county has progressively established 27 VTCs in the past 15 years, and plans to open two more, Waware in Masogo/Nyang’oma, and Path Othany in East Seme.
The Governor further disclosed that his administration has allocated capitation grants valued at Sh. 206 Million.
The County guarantees partial payment of applicable fees of Sh. 15,000, and he urged the youth to enroll in Vocational Training Centres near them.
Lela VTC is set to start enrolling learners from August 2023 to pursue Grade I, II and III Artisan Courses and Artisan certificate examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Kenya National Examinations Council.
The Governor’s announcement highlights the importance of vocational education and the need to tailor training programs and courses to address specific issues in the community.
Vocational education has the potential to equip youths with skills that match the labor market, which is critical in addressing youth unemployment and reducing poverty.
The shift from a theory-based curriculum to competency-based training is also crucial, as it equips learners with hands-on experience and practical skills that are relevant in the job market.
The adoption of locally customized courses is another positive step, as it ensures that learners are equipped with skills that are relevant to the community and can be applied in self-employment or wage employment.
The expansion of VTCs in Kisumu County is also a positive move, as it ensures that more youths have access to vocational education.
The establishment of VTCs in every ward is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures that learners can access vocational education without having to travel long distances.
The allocation of capitation grants and the guarantee of partial payment of applicable fees is also a positive move, as it reduces the financial burden on learners and ensures that vocational education is accessible to all.
This is particularly important, as many youths from low-income backgrounds may not have the financial resources to pursue vocational education.
Overall, the Governor’s announcement highlights the importance of vocational education in addressing youth unemployment and reducing poverty.
The shift to competency-based training and the adoption of locally customized courses are positive steps, as they ensure that learners are equipped with skills that are relevant to the community and can be applied in self-employment or wage employment.
Kisumu Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) to Offer Market-Driven Courses