Busia: Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has urged youth to join Vocational Training Centers to get skills that will help them earn a living. Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 423 youths from Vocational Training Centers within Busia County, Otuoma emphasized his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with technical skills.

According to Kenya News Agency, Otuoma stressed the significance of vocational training in tackling unemployment and poverty. He highlighted that certification from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) would enhance the competitiveness of these graduates in the job market. The governor also encouraged the graduates from the KCB Foundation’s 2jiajiri Program to leverage their skills to create job opportunities, driving entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

The graduates are expected to contribute significantly to initiatives like the Nasewa Integrated Agro-Processing Industrial Park and the Export Processing Zone. They will be instrumental in the industrialization efforts in Nasewa County, providing essential skills for various projects, from raw material production to end product development.

Governor Otuoma advised the youth to seize available opportunities to apply their skills for economic gain. He cited the ongoing construction of 150 ECDE classrooms in the county as a potential opportunity for those in relevant trades to offer their services and earn income.

This progress was achieved through a Sh35 million, three-year matching-fund partnership between the County government of Busia and the KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri Program, which has been pivotal in preparing skilled, job-ready youth for the workforce. Additionally, 310 self-sponsored students also graduated, bringing the total number of NITA-certified graduates to 733.

Millicent Otom from the National Industrial Training Authority underscored the importance of inclusivity, advocating for the empowerment of individuals with disabilities. She called upon parents to enroll their children with disabilities in learning programs to acquire valuable skills.

The graduates underwent extensive training in trades such as Solar Technology, Fashion Design, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Carpentry, Hair and Beauty, Food and Beverage, and Mechanics.