Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has highlighted the impressive surge in vocational training as a clear indicator of the growing interest among young people in acquiring practical skills that pave the way for employment and entrepreneurship.
Governor Nyong’o shared that enrollment at the Rotary Vocational Training Centre in Kisumu City has skyrocketed from approximately 150 learners in 2022 to around 2,500 trainees, accompanied by three graduation ceremonies.
He emphasized that this growth reflects a shift in perception regarding technical and vocational education, with an increasing number of young individuals viewing skills training as a viable pathway to financial independence.
“When we embarked on enhancing vocational training in Kisumu, our vision was to equip our youth with practical skills that empower them to earn a living, launch businesses, and actively participate in our economy,” Nyong’o stated in a press release on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The governor noted that the Rotary VTC has evolved into a Centre of Excellence, offering training in fields such as electrical engineering, masonry and plumbing, fashion and design, and ICT.
He pointed out that these courses open doors to opportunities beyond traditional employment, enabling graduates to start their own businesses and generate jobs.
“A graduate in Electrical Engineering can forge a successful career or launch a business, just as a trainee in Masonry or Plumbing can secure employment or become an employer,” Nyong’o affirmed.
According to the centre’s website, Rotary VTC was founded in 1994, focusing on practical vocational education aimed at fostering employment and entrepreneurship. It currently offers programs in electrical engineering, plumbing, ICT, fashion design, and construction-related courses.
With demand now outpacing capacity, Nyong’o acknowledged that the rising popularity of the centre presents a new challenge, necessitating an expansion of workshops, classrooms, and instructors to accommodate more trainees.
He mentioned that collaborative partnerships have significantly improved facilities and equipment in the county, while various departments have initiated income-generating activities designed to immerse trainees in real-world work environments.
This growth coincides with a broader expansion of vocational training initiatives in Kisumu County.
In March 2026, a remarkable 3,165 trainees from the county’s vocational training centres celebrated their achievements during the third joint graduation ceremony held at Rotary VTC.
Kisumu is also embracing the digital era, as Nyong’o highlighted advancements at Katito Vocational Training Centre, where the county is establishing Digital Literacy and Digital Hubs.
This initiative aims to provide young people with access to computers, online learning, research opportunities, and digital services, connecting them to the burgeoning digital economy.
The county’s development plan indicates that Kisumu has launched an ICT Business Incubation Centre at Rotary VTC and has successfully trained 527 young individuals in life skills and digital literacy.
Governor Nyong’o underscored the importance of vocational training as a key responsibility of the county government, advocating for a focus on empowering young people to leverage their skills for financial stability, rather than relying solely on formal employment.
“This is the Kisumu we are cultivating—a place where young individuals are not bound by the wait for formal employment to shape their futures, and where the skills they possess become their pathway to a sustainable livelihood,” he concluded.
