Youth in Uasin Gishu County have been encouraged to enroll in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to acquire technical skills that prepare them for specific careers and enable them to capitalize on opportunities in the job market.

The call was made during the disbursement of bursary cheques in Soy, Kipsomba, Kiplombe, and Huruma wards in Soy and Turbo sub-counties.

Speaking on Monday during the ongoing ward-level bursary disbursement exercise, H.E Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii said his administration’s development track record speaks for itself.

“In just three years, Kipsomba Ward has witnessed tremendous progress across key sectors. We have completed several ECDE centres, including Mobet, Cheplaskei, Kapsumbeiywet, Kapchan, Teldet, Chemororoch, Kapngetuny, and Cheplelaibei, significantly improving access to early childhood education,” he said.

“In Soy Ward, we have completed the Keith–Budalangi and Kongasis ECDE centres as part of our continued investment in quality education,” he added.

Governor Bii further noted that the county government has achieved numerous milestones in the education sector, adding that the bursaries will go a long way in easing the burden of school fees on parents, especially at a time when many families are facing financial challenges.

Deputy Governor Hon. Evans Kapkea emphasized the importance of investing in education, noting that access to learning opportunities is key to improving livelihoods and securing a better future for young people.

“We want every child to have an equal opportunity to access education regardless of their background. Education remains one of the most effective tools for transforming lives,” said the Deputy Governor.

County Executive Committee Member for Education, Ms. Lucy Ng’endo, expressed optimism that the bursary programme will continue empowering students to complete their studies and contribute positively to society.

Chief Officer for Education Eunice Suter reiterated the county government’s commitment to ensuring that no needy child misses out on education due to a lack of school fees.

During the exercise, bursary cheques were issued to more than 4,000 beneficiaries from Soy, Kipsomba, Kiplombe, and Huruma wards. Members of the County Assembly present included Hon. Mary Goreti (Kipsomba Ward), Hon. Isaac Tamogei (Soy Ward), and Hon. Gilbert Lagat (Kiplombe Ward).

Also present were County Secretary Phillip Meli; County Executive Committee Members Anthony Sitienei (Water), Micah Rogony (Finance), Janet Kurgat (Health), Robert Kemei (Sports), Serem (Roads), Edward Sawe (Lands), and Dr. Philip Chebunet (Trade).

Chief Officers Ambrose Tarus (Clinical Services), Eliud Kipkorir (Finance), Ruth Samoei (Public Service Management), Marion Birgen (Social Protection and Gender), and CPA Victorine Kapkiyai also attended.

Others present included Directors Peter Ruto (Education), Phyllis Lagat (Vocational Training), and Kiptanui Barno (Administration), among other county officials.