Empowering the youth in Nyamira County.
By Abigael Kibanga
Nyamira County has stepped up its focus on vocational and technical education after successfully graduating 709 trainees from 26 VET centres.
Governor Amos Nyaribo, together with the KCB Foundation, stated that the program intends to create entrepreneurs instead of merely supplying job seekers.
During a ceremony at Sironga Grounds in West Mugirango, the graduates received certificates while Governor Nyaribo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to broadening access to technical education via scholarships and collaborations.
The event took place in partnership with the KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri Programme, which supports youth skill‑building and enterprise formation.
During the ceremony, 100 graduates were granted business start‑up kits across different trades to aid their shift toward self‑employment and entrepreneurship.
He added that the county is heavily investing in hands‑on skills training to curb unemployment and boost economic growth.
“Graduating 709 trainees from our 26 VET centres represents a significant milestone as we invest in entrepreneurial skills,” he remarked.
He highlighted that the county has reduced financial obstacles preventing youth from accessing technical training, thanks to full and partial scholarships provided in partnership with the KCB Foundation.
“By equipping them with skills, we are forging a socioeconomic revolution fueled by solution‑driven innovation. We no longer train job seekers but cultivate creators of employment across diverse economic sectors,” he emphasized.
The KCB Foundation reported that the 2Jiajiri Programme keeps providing youth with hands‑on vocational skills, entrepreneurial know‑how, and opportunities that let them earn income and build lasting livelihoods.
Joblin Omari, Head of Programmes at the KCB Foundation, said the initiative aims to empower youth by tying skill acquisition to enterprise creation and job prospects.
The ceremony assembled education stakeholders, county leaders, parents, and development partners, underscoring support for technical and vocational education as a route to economic empowerment.
Vice‑Chancellor Professor Nathan Ongechi of Kisii University, who spoke as keynote, portrayed vocational training as a vital pillar of Kenya’s development plan and praised Nyamira County for its investment in skills growth.
“This occasion offers a meaningful chance to recognize the dedication to technical training,” he noted.
He further lauded the county administration for widening access to technical education via scholarships backed by the KCB Foundation.
“I commend the Nyamira County Government, led by Governor Amos Nyaribo, for enlarging access to technical training through full scholarships in partnership with the KCB Foundation,” he said.
He also announced intentions to set up a university college in Nyamira under Kisii University’s mentorship, stating it would begin as a constituent college and later attain full university standing.
Governor Nyaribo expressed gratitude to the KCB Foundation for collaborating with the county, transforming youths’ lives through skills training and enterprise backing.
He also recognized County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, County Assembly members, and other dignitaries for attending.
Officials stated that the graduation showcases the expanding role of technical and vocational education in furnishing youths with marketable skills and bolstering local economic growth as counties pursue solutions to youth unemployment.