Kisumu County has stepped up its investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), channeling Ksh 18 million into modern tools and equipment across 28 vocational training centres in a bold bid to empower youth with hands-on skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Manna Vocational Training Institute in Seme, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili said the initiative is part of a larger strategy to bridge the technical skills gap and create pathways to self-reliance among the county’s young population.
“Manna Vocational Training Institute exists for a purpose, to provide accessible, affordable and quality vocational education to young people who might otherwise face exclusion due to financial hardship, geographic barriers, or limited opportunities,” Dr. Owili said.
He noted that the county’s focus on vocational education is transforming lives, offering an alternative to traditional academic pathways by equipping trainees with industry-relevant competencies.
“By ensuring our students train with industry-standard resources, we are guaranteeing that our youth graduate with practical and market-ready skills,” he added.
Dr. Owili paid tribute to Dr. Maurice Odindo, the Founding Director of Manna Ministries International, for his leadership and dedication in establishing the institute, describing him as a visionary who has given hope to hundreds of young people.
“Your vision and steadfast commitment have inspired change, offered hope and fostered a culture where our youth can thrive with dignity,” he said.
The deputy governor highlighted what he called the “Manna Effect,” the positive ripple of empowerment evident in the institute’s alumni who have become entrepreneurs, employers and change-makers within their communities.
“This ripple effect proves that when specialized skills meet genuine opportunity, the entire community rises,” Dr. Owili remarked.
The ceremony drew a high-profile audience, including Roots Party Leader, Prof. George Luchiri Wajackoya, who commended the county’s investment in technical education and urged graduates to use their skills to transform the local economy.
“The future belongs to those who can create, innovate and solve real problems,” Prof. Wajackoya told the graduates.
“A nation built on skills will never go hungry. Our youth must be at the centre of Kenya’s transformation, not as job seekers, but as job creators.”
Prof. Wajackoya praised Manna Vocational Training Institute for nurturing talent and innovation among young people, adding that technical skills remain the cornerstone of national growth and productivity.
Also present at the event were Kisumu County Executive for Finance and Planning, Mr. George Okong’o, and other senior officials who pledged continued support for vocational institutions through enhanced funding and infrastructure development.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Owili urged them to carry forward the values of discipline, integrity and service as they embark on their professional journeys.
“This is your turning point. Your skills are not just certificates, they are passports to innovation, resilience and contribution,” he told them.
The colourful ceremony marked not only the achievements of the graduating class but also Kisumu’s renewed commitment to technical education as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.
With continued investment in TVET and strong partnerships between government, private institutions and community organizations, Kisumu County is positioning itself as a regional hub for skills development, innovation, and inclusive growth.
