By Arnold Ageta
Nyamira County has for the first time held a joint graduation for Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) at the Sironga grounds, in a ceremony presided over by Governor Amos Nyaribo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Nyaribo congratulated the graduands and their parents for the hard work and dedication that made the completion of their studies possible.
Nyaribo noted that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses are currently more marketable than many university degrees that fail to attract employment opportunities.
“If you do a useless course at the university which does not attract employment, you get lost,” he warned the youth. “It is better to go to a TVET and create employment for yourself.”
The governor promised to support the graduands until they can stand on their own in terms of employment and job creation.
“The job market is expanding, but the number of job seekers is growing at a rate about 10 times faster than the economy’s expansion rate,” he noted.
He advised the graduates to focus on job creation rather than seeking employment, unless they specifically want to gain initial work experience as they prepare to launch their own enterprises.
He further promised to double his efforts in supporting TVET education in the county, announcing that the next financial allocation for the sector will be doubled.
The Vice Chancellor of Kisii University, Prof. Nathan Ogechi, who attended the ceremony, commended the county for supporting VTCs, which he noted are in high demand across the country.
He also applauded the county government for offering scholarships to VTC students, many of whom were among the graduating class.
“That’s why your government, your officers, and the county assembly must be commended for this,” Prof. Ogechi said.
The scholarships, which are a collaboration between the KCB Foundation and the county government, have helped many VTC students gain practical skills to earn a living upon graduation.
“I wish to commend the KCB Foundation for your vision and investment in our people through your Tujiajiri Initiative Program. I know you are creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and providing young people from all backgrounds with practical skills,” said Prof. Ogechi.
Prof. Ogechi urged parents to keep encouraging the graduands to believe in their abilities and to continue holding them accountable even after graduation.
However, he regretted that for too long, the Kenyan education system has placed a disproportionate emphasis on academic credentials at the expense of hands-on technical skills.
He noted that today’s graduation reflects the clear reality that the Kenyan economy demands skilled artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs.
“It’s now apparent that the future of skills development lies in what we are doing here, and we look forward to having more and more graduates coming out of our institutions,” Prof. Ogechi said.
He acknowledged the role that institutions of higher learning play in bridging training, research, and innovation with tangible socio-economic development.
He also underscored the need to fully support the establishment of Nyamira University under the pupillage of Kisii University at Kiabonyoru.
“There was a campus here and the people thought that was a university. That was not a university; it was a campus,” explained Prof. Ogechi.
He assured residents that the construction of Nyamira University is on course and will soon start admitting students. He asked all stakeholders to work as a team to ensure the university becomes a reality as soon as possible.
“As we celebrate this cohort of graduates, let us remember that they represent only the beginning. There are many more young people in Nyamira County and across this nation who are waiting for the opportunity,” he concluded. “It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that we create that opportunity, mobilize resources, and bring them into higher education.”
A total of 709 graduands from 26 VTCs spread across the county graduated during the colorful ceremony.
The hair dressing and beauty therapy department led the cohort with 218 graduates awarded National Skills Certificates.
Another batch of 155 students graduated in electrical installation, while 134 graduated in tailoring and dressmaking.
Motor vehicle mechanics had 58 graduates, plumbing had 47, welding had 12, and the food and beverage department graduated 11.
To jumpstart their careers, 149 students who performed exceptionally well in their exams were presented with specialized toolkits to help them embark on self-employment and job creation.
