Governor's Tujiajiri Program Kicks Off in Elgeyo Marakwet

Governor Wesley Rotich youth empowerment Program has kicked off with hundreds of youth undertaking various technical courses in a number of Vocational Training Centres VTCs.

The Sh.30 million scholarship program fully funded by the County government in conjunction with the Kenya Commercial Bank KCB foundation has benefited at least 500 youth.

According to Mr Mike Mosi, the County government director for Sports and Youth Affairs, out of the Sh.30million, both Governor Rotich administration and KCB will spend Sh.15 million each.

Iten Vocational Training Centre Manager Mark Kilimo whose institution received 100 slots said all the learners reported for studies this term.

The Polytechnic with a current student population of 470 offers a wide range of artisan courses including Welding, motor vehicle technology, Hair dressing, Tailoring and dress making, Information and Communication Technology ICT.

Other courses include Plumbing, Electrical, Food and beverages and beauty.

The trainees are examined by the Kenya National Examination Council KNEC and the National Industrial Training Authority NITA.

“NITA or KNEC Certificate is recognised by employment bureaus both locally and internationally. Infact, we have our former students who have been able to secure jobs overseas,” Mr Kilimo said.

Though a good number of the students graduating from polytechnics have been venturing into self employment after acquiring skills, Mr Kilimo said some of them have sought jobs outside Kenya.

He said:”With grade (|||) NITA Certificate, or KNEC Certificate anyone has capacity to secure employment anywhere.”

Mr Kilimo says the school has 15 staff Nine of whom are government employees and Six paid by the school Board of Management BOM.

Speaking to Governor’s Press at the sidelines of assessment of Devolution progress, Mr Kilimo said Iten Polytechnic has the capacity to equip the learners with the necessary skills with which they required to use to start up their own businesses upon completion of the studies.

Tujiajiri scholarship program is not limited to paying fees but it will extend towards purchasing the successful students a tool kit comprising all the necessary equipment required to commence practice.

In a rejoinder, Mr Mosi said not everyone will enjoy the privilege to be armed with tools of trade but it will only benefit those who will have performed successfully.

Ms. Purity Kiptoo, a gender officer in charge of the program said Three special students were earmarked to benefit from the Scholarship and were expected to join Kapsabet school for the deaf but one of them has since reported.

Mr John Maritim, an official from the directorate of Planning and Budgeting challenged Iten polytechnic to commence a massive branding of the institution saying learners at the centre had already demonstrated capacity.

“Infact those learners in the garment industry should make the governor a suit. This can be a starting point and departments in the County should promote the products done by our students,” said Mr Maritim.