Taita Taveta County Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo has underscored the critical role of technical and vocational education in addressing youth unemployment, urging young people to enrol in technical colleges to acquire market-driven skills and embrace entrepreneurship.
Speaking during a youth empowerment workshop, Kilalo said technical training equips young people with practical skills that are increasingly in demand across various industries, opening doors to employment, self-employment and economic independence.
She encouraged young people to take advantage of government empowerment initiatives, including the Uwezo Fund and the NYOTA Programme, which provide financial support to skilled graduates seeking to establish and grow their own businesses.
“The county government, in collaboration with the national government, is continuously equipping technical colleges to offer a wide range of courses,” Kilalo said, urging young people to seize the available training opportunities.
Kilalo noted that the county government is working closely with the national government to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions by expanding access to quality training that responds to the needs of the labour market.
Her remarks come amid a nationwide campaign to increase enrolment in TVET institutions as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment, drug abuse and poverty.
The government has directed National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to work closely with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to mobilise more young people to enrol in skills-based training programmes.
Speaking separately at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Dr Esther Mworia, said the collaboration is crucial because NGAO officers have direct contact with communities at the grassroots level.
She observed that many young people, particularly those from low-income households, miss opportunities to pursue further education due to financial constraints, noting that TVET institutions offer affordable pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
While acknowledging funding challenges that have delayed full financial support for all students, Dr Mworia said the government is exploring alternative opportunities to empower graduates.
She highlighted the government’s Kazi Majuu programme as one such initiative, saying it enables graduates to acquire international work experience while improving their technical skills.
The Principal Secretary revealed that more than 1.2 million students are currently enrolled in TVET institutions across the country, with the government targeting 2 million enrolments by the end of the year.
The government maintains that expanding access to technical and vocational education remains central to its strategy of creating a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth, reducing unemployment and enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness.
