Youth from Uasin Gishu County have been encouraged to enrol on Vocational Training Centres to pursue technical skills as they are designed to prepare youth for a specific career that enables them to take advantage of opportunities in the employment market.

The clarion call was made during the disbursement of bursary cheques at the Cheptiret/Kipchamo and Kaptagat wards on Thursday.

Speaking during the events, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii EGH described as worrisome the wrong attitude of the youth towards vocational training education.

“Skilled manpower should provide huge opportunities for young people who attend technical institutions to develop themselves,” Dr. Bii said.

Governor Dr. Bii also revealed that a Chinese investor, who is interested in the textile industry needs 3000 tailors and they are scarce hence the need for youth to join VTCs to acquire these skills.

“There are their ready jobs in the market,” he said.

County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training, Anthony Sitienei, said that the time had come for the young people to make use of the available technical training institutions.

“Don’t shy off from the vocational training centres, because the County Government has invested a lot of money there. Seize the opportunity and acquire skills,” he added.

He added that the Governor’s administration under the Nguzo Kumi, was keen on offering opportunities to youth.

Sitienei further urged youths to embrace innovation and creativity in solving challenges that were affecting them instead of indulging in unproductive activities and drug indulgence.

“The County Government is focusing more on young people acquiring technical skills. The County has invested heavily in vocational training centres,” said Marion Birgen, the Chief Officer for Education and Vocational Training.

Through the initiative, in Cheptiret/Kipchamo Ward 769 students benefited from Kshs. 4 million bursary while Ksh 5 million will benefit 688 needy learners in Kaptagat.

The County has allocated Ksh 165 million for the bursary kitty, where 23,330 students, across the 30 Wards, and in various institutions of learning will benefit.

The Governor was accompanied by the Members of the County Assembly Hon.Gilbert Sato (Cheptiret/Kipchamo), and Hon. Jonathan Ngetich (Kaptagat), County Executive Committee Member for Roads, Eng. Joseph Lagat, Abraham Serem (Health) and Dr. Janeth Kosgei (Lands) Chief Officers for Agriculture and Agribusiness Nixon Cheplong.

Directors for Vocational Training Phyllis Lagat, Wilson Sawe (Administration and Planning), Deputy Directors, Pius Mosbei (Education) Rosyline Kosgei (Education) Julius Tanui (Resource mobilization), Stephen Kemoi (Vocational Training), Kesses Sub County Administrator Joseph Bett, Kaptagat Ward administrator Fredrick Serem, among other county officials were also present.