Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria Visits Uasin Gishu County to Establish NYS Training Hubs
Our strategy extends beyond mere training. Projects such as affordable housing, agricultural initiatives, and industrial parks require a skilled workforce. By integrating VTC graduates into the small-scale NYS hubs, we will ensure a pipeline of trained workers,”
By Lilian Aori
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Performance and Delivery Management, Moses Kuria, visited Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday as part of the government’s initiative to collaborate with devolved units in NYS training.
During a meeting with Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, EGH, Kuria discussed plans to utilize Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the county for NYS training.
In a media briefing, Kuria highlighted the ministry’s intention to partner with counties to enhance NYS training through VTCs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive infrastructure development.
“Additionally, selected individuals will undergo specialized training under the NYS, transitioning them into small-scale NYS hubs and digital centers,” Kuria stated, outlining the broader strategy beyond training alone.
“Last year we had over 20,000 students at National Youth Service[NYS] and the amount put in place to be used by TVET was Ksh 5.4 billion compared to this year where 30,000 who have been recruited and that already 15,000 have been taken and the rest shall be considered in August. However, this will continue to 40,000 and coming next 2027, will be heading to 100,000 more and that same method shall enable 30 billion to be put aside for catering to the needs of students, including tuition, accommodation, and equipment required for them,” he added.
“Our strategy extends beyond mere training. Projects such as affordable housing, agricultural initiatives, and industrial parks require a skilled workforce. By integrating VTC graduates into the small-scale NYS hubs, we will ensure a pipeline of trained workers,” he continued.
Kuria also announced that VTCs will serve as recruitment centers for international opportunities, addressing workforce gaps in countries like Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Australia.
Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim EGH acknowledged the challenges faced by counties in equipping VTCs, expressing optimism that the new partnership would provide the necessary support and funding.
“The visit of CS Moses Kuria signifies a turning point for our vocational training colleges. Through this collaboration with the NYS, we anticipate improvements in infrastructure and much-needed support for our institutions,” said Governor Bii.
He noted the current shortage of vocational training centers, stating, “This discrepancy underscores the challenges we have been facing in adequately addressing the needs of our youth. However, with the support and attention brought by CS Moses Kuria’s visit, we are hopeful for positive change and expansion in the near future.”
During the visit, Kuria and his team inspected several VTCs, including Kanetik VTCs of excellence in various fields such as Agribusiness, Textile, Welding, Fabrication, Food and Beverages, Mechanical, Carpentry, and Plumbing.
Accompanied by CECM for Youth Affairs, Sports ICT, and Innovation Eng. Lucy Ng’endo Njoroge, Chief Officer for Vocational Training Marion Birgen, Directors Wilson Sawe (Administration), Phlylis Lagat (Vocational Training), among others, the visits aimed to assess the readiness of the VTCs for the proposed partnership.
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