Meru County has released KSh 23.5 million in capitation funds and supplied new training equipment to Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), a move aimed at expanding access to practical skills for young people seeking alternatives to formal academic pathways.
The funding will support 1,580 trainees across the county, clear KSh 9.1 million in pending trainee bills, and improve learning conditions through modern tools and machinery. Several VTCs are also benefiting from the ongoing construction of new workshops and classrooms, addressing long-standing challenges such as overcrowding and limited practical training space.
County officials say the investment is designed to strengthen hands-on learning and align training with labour market needs, as many young people continue to struggle to secure employment despite holding academic certificates. Priority has been placed on technical courses including plumbing, welding, information communication technology (ICT)and other trades considered to be in high demand locally and nationally.
Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said sustained investment in vocational education is critical for community development and youth empowerment, particularly in areas where access to formal employment remains limited. She noted that the county is also reviewing the possibility of upgrading some VTCs into Technical Training Institutes, a move expected to improve training standards and provide learners with clearer progression pathways.
“We are committed to strengthening our learning institutions for the benefit of our communities and the empowerment of our youth,” she said, adding that targeted investment in skills development will expand employment opportunities and enable young people to contribute meaningfully to the economy,” She said .
Education officials acknowledge that vocational institutions in Meru have faced persistent challenges, including shortages of trainers, inadequate infrastructure and limited training materials, factors that have affected the quality and reach of skills training, especially in rural areas.
At the national level, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba has emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education to Kenya’s development agenda, saying the government is reviewing funding models to expand support and ensure equity in access.
“We want every learner, regardless of their background, to have a fair shot at finishing school. No student should be locked out of education because of lack of fees,” he said, adding that ongoing reforms are intended to strengthen practical skills acquisition and improve employability.
Beyond vocational training, Meru County has also allocated KSh 54 million to fund school meals for more than 59,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners, alongside additional investments in classrooms, learning materials and teacher support.
