Kwale Set to Upgrade Vocational Centres into Centres of Excellence

BY OMAR SHABAN

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has announced plans to upgrade several vocational training centres (VTCs) into centres of excellence as part of her administration’s effort to empower youth through technical and vocational education.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new administration block at Msulwa Vocational Training Centre in Matuga, Achani said the county is working on strategies to transform the facility and others including Manda, Ukunda, Kinango, and Mavirivirini into high-capacity institutions offering specialized training in key trades.

“We want to equip our youth with relevant and competitive skills that match the demands of the evolving job market,” said Achani.

To date, the county government has constructed 43 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across Kwale and equipped them with modern tools and machinery to ensure high-quality, practical training for youth.

These flagship institutions offer National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)-certified programs in key technical fields including masonry, hairdressing, electrical wiring, and information and communication technology (ICT).

The courses are designed to meet industry standards and prepare graduates for both employment and self-employment, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and job market readiness.

Achani said by investing in centres of excellence, the county will not only increase the quality of training but also boost employment prospects and promote self-reliance among our young people.

The governor noted that the initiative is part of her broader economic empowerment agenda that seeks to reduce unemployment and poverty through skill development and innovation.

She said the county government will prioritize modern infrastructure, well-equipped workshops, and qualified trainers to ensure learners receive hands-on, market-driven skills.

According to Achani, the targeted VTCs will focus on trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, welding, fashion design, hairdressing, ICT, and agribusiness, areas with growing opportunities locally and internationally.

At the same time, Achani graced the graduation ceremony of 73 students at Msulwa VTC.

Achani emphasized the growing importance of technical and vocational education in today’s fast-changing job market.

She encouraged parents and guardians to embrace and support vocational training, saying such institutions offer real solutions to unemployment and poverty.

“Gone are the days when only white-collar jobs were valued. Today, skilled artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy,” she said.

Achani noted that with the right training, young people can tap into various sectors including construction, beauty, mechanics, electrical installation, and ICT fields that continue to create employment across the country.

She further urged the youth to seize the opportunity provided by the county government, which has heavily invested in modern tools, infrastructure, and certification programs in VTCs across Kwale.

“We want our young people to become self-reliant and economically empowered. That’s why we are transforming our VTCs into centres of excellence,” Achani added.