Written by Benard Namunane
Thousands of young people across Nakuru County are gaining practical skills, securing industry-recognised training and improving their chances of employment thanks to an ambitious expansion of vocational education under H E Governor Susan Kihika’s administration. Through increased investment in infrastructure, student support, modern equipment, and skilled instructors, the county has transformed Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) into thriving institutions that equip young people with the competencies needed to compete in today’s job market.
Since taking office, Governor Kihika’s administration has prioritised technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic empowerment and job creation. The county has invested heavily in making vocational training more accessible and relevant, enabling thousands of young people who might otherwise have missed out on higher education to acquire marketable skills.
One of the most significant interventions has been financial support for trainees. The County Government has disbursed more than Sh480 million in capitation grants — Sh30,000 per learner — to support students enrolled in VTCs across Nakuru. The funding has eased the financial burden on families while encouraging more young people to enrol and complete their training.
The impact is evident in enrollment figures. Student numbers have more than tripled, rising from about 2,000 learners to 6,850 today. The growth has been driven by capitation grants, bursary support and the expansion of training opportunities closer to communities.
To accommodate the increasing demand, the county has expanded the number of operational Vocational Training Centres from 33 to 43, bringing technical education within easier reach of more residents. New centres have been established in areas including Free Area in Nakuru East, Mwariki in Rhoda, Kipkonyo in Maiella, Chandera in Turi, Ndege Ndimu in Umoja Lanet, Syriat in Mauche, Olrongai in Menengai West, Kongasis in Emburu Mbaruk, Kinamba in Biashara, Naivasha, and Olesultan in Elementaita.
Infrastructure development has gone hand in hand with expansion. The county has invested more than KSh120 million in constructing seven new VTCs, eight workshops and training rooms, four toilet blocks, one administration block, and one student dormitory. In addition, electricity has been connected to two training centres at a cost of Sh3 million, improving the learning environment and supporting practical training.
Recognising that quality training depends on modern facilities, the county has also supplied tools and equipment worth Sh67 million to more than 30 Vocational Training Centres, enabling students to gain hands-on experience using industry-standard machinery and equipment.
The investment has also focused on strengthening human resources. The County Government has recruited 57 permanent and pensionable instructors to improve teaching quality, while the recruitment of an additional 66 instructors is already underway. Continuous professional development has ensured that principals, vocational training officers, and instructors are fully prepared to implement the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum and to integrate emerging technologies into their teaching.
To align training with labour market needs, Nakuru has partnered with the International Labour Organisation to introduce demand-driven courses at Mirera and Maiella Vocational Training Centres. The county has also embraced digital learning by integrating ICT into training programmes, ensuring graduates acquire both technical and digital skills required in modern workplaces.
The results are already being felt. More than 4,000 students graduated during the county’s 2024 mass graduation ceremony, with many transitioning into employment or self-employment. Another over 3,000 trainees are expected to graduate in November 2026, further expanding the pool of skilled artisans, technicians and entrepreneurs.
Beyond academics, Nakuru’s vocational institutions have continued to nurture well-rounded learners by participating in sports, music and drama competitions, with several institutions advancing to the national level.
Governor Kihika’s sustained investment in vocational education is steadily reshaping Nakuru’s workforce by producing skilled graduates, expanding access to quality technical training and creating opportunities for thousands of young people to build meaningful careers while contributing to the county’s economic growth.