By Hope Barbra
When the County Government of Kisumu entered into an agreement with Kisumu Rotary Youth Training Centre to repair and service all its vehicles, it was a powerful statement of trust and confidence in the institution.
From a collapsing institution with a student population of 156 in 2022, the centre is currently bursting with a student population growth of 2,700, major infrastructural development, and partnership agreements.
Under the current leadership of Ms Gladys Akinyi Sadia, the institution is emerging as one of the most sought-after training institutions in Western Kenya.
Sadia says the institution recently entered into an agreement with the county government to repair its vehicles at the new garage at the facility.
“We have a modern garage at the facility and well-trained human resources, and the agreement by the county government is a sign of trust and confidence in us. This is a milestone for us, and we are committed to growing the institution,” she says.
Students
The decision was made to rebrand the institution and introduce courses which are youth-friendly and market-oriented.
That is why, from a student population of 156, the institution has witnessed a steady population surge and demand from both Nyanza and Western Kenya.
The institution offers training from Level 3 to Level 5, where Level 3 is the lowest level of entry into TVET for students who either dropped out in Class Six or sat KCPE.
Level 4 comprises artisans, while Level 5 comprises crafts. Previously, it was only Kisumu National Polytechnic, and now Kisumu Rotary Youth Training Centre offers the same for students who scored D+ and below in KCSE.
“We have witnessed an upsurge in student registration at Level 5 and other levels. We have competent human resources capable of handling all the levels,” she says.
Funding and courses
The County Government of Kisumu gives funds to deserving students, with 1,700 students accessing the county government scholarship.
Sadia says the county government has been able to sustain the institution’s operations through its funding, and this has ensured no disruption of learning.
The institution offers various courses and has departments in food and beverages, plumbing, motor vehicle, fashion and design, ICT, masonry, welding and fabrication, electrical installation, and agribusiness technology, among others.
Partnership
Sadia says through strategic partnerships with colleges and other institutions abroad, Kisumu Rotary has been able to access funding and support.
“Through the Kenya Blue Economy, the institution was able to partner with colleges and institutes in Canada to partner in skills training programmes,” she says.
Sadia says the institution has modern tools for food and beverage and has been declared the best training institution in the region.
“We have been able to travel to Canada – three of us – for capacity building on the current educational curriculum. This was a milestone to align with the new education curriculum,” she says.
The institution has also been able to partner with the office of the Women Representative, which also sponsors some of the students.
She says the Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation also supports and educates physically challenged students to gain technical training.
“Shotza is a community organization that has also been paying school fees for needy and vulnerable children, and this is how we have realized an increased student population,” she says.
She says another partner, Next Step Foundation based in Nairobi, is also equipping youth with physical disabilities to acquire skill-based knowledge in the county at the institution.
Graduation
This year, the institution graduated 2,000 students in an event presided over by Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o at the third joint Kisumu County Vocational Training Centres (VTC) Graduation Ceremony held today at the Rotary Vocational Training Centre.
“This is a proud and defining moment not only for them and their families, but for Kisumu County and everyone who has supported this course. Today, we celebrate 3,165 trainees from 28 Vocational Training Centres who have successfully completed training across eleven market-relevant disciplines. Their nationally recognized certifications are a testament to their skill gained, discipline attained, and readiness to face the future with confidence,” he said.
He said the achievement reflects the steadfast commitment of the County Government of Kisumu to vocational training as a cornerstone of opportunity, dignity, and inclusive economic growth.
“Through continued investment, including KSh 25 million for modern equipment and KSh 125.5 million to expand access and strengthen trainer capacity this financial year alone, we are building institutions that deliver excellence and sustainability. The future of Kisumu County will not be shaped in boardrooms alone. It will rise from workshops, flourish in garages, evolve in studios, grow on farms, and thrive in enterprises powered by skilled and enterprising young people like these. Even in a challenging job market like exists now, the training equips them to solve real-world problems and create their own opportunities,” he said.
