Governor Njuki Expands Vocational Training In Tharaka Nithi County
Tharaka Nithi County Governor Muthomi Njuki commissioning newly established Kibuka Vocational Training Centre in Chiakariga ward, Tharaka Constituency. Photo/ Alex Njeru
By Alex Njeru
Tharaka Nithi County Governor Muthomi Njuki has reaffirmed his commitment to equipping youth with technical skills, emphasizing that vocational training is the key to job creation.
Speaking during the launch of Kibuka Vocational Training Centre, the governor noted that Tharaka Constituency had only two such institutions when he took office in 2017, but now boasts six.
Njuki stressed that technical skills, such as plumbing, electrical work, and masonry, are in high demand both locally and globally.
He pointed out that the country faces a major unemployment crisis, with thousands of university and college graduates struggling to find jobs due to an oversupply of theoretical courses.
“The most paid workers in developed countries are the technical ones, and that is the direction Kenya is going,” Njuki stated.
He reiterated his commitment to serving all county residents, regardless of their political affiliations, saying that development should not be hindered by differences with Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
Since assuming office, Njuki has expanded vocational training across Tharaka Nithi County. He revealed that in 2017, the county had only 20 vocational training centres, with just two in Tharaka Constituency.
His administration has since built four more centres in the region and equipped them with modern training tools.
Kibuka Vocational Training Centre currently has 74 trainees undertaking courses in plumbing, hairdressing, computer studies, driving, and masonry, among others.
The governor announced plans to introduce an automobile engineering course to enhance skill diversification and promised to give the institution two vehicles and construct manager’s office.
He also emphasized the need to introduce new courses aligned with emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Additionally, he proposed training professionals in swimming pool maintenance and lift technology to cater to evolving industry demands.
Recognizing Tharaka Constituency’s rich mineral deposits, Njuki called for professional training in mining for better trade.
He revealed that the county would benchmark with Taita Taveta County to develop relevant vocational training programs for miners.
The County Economic Advisor, Dr. Mutegi Kabisani praised Njuki for implementing a free school feeding program, ensuring that students have access to meals while learning.
He highlighted several development projects in Chiakariga Ward, including the expansion of Chiakariga Health Centre.
Chiakariga Ward MCA, Kinyua Njagi, lauded Njuki for his development efforts in the area, assuring residents that personal differences would not interfere with service delivery.
He blamed political rivals eyeing his seat for fueling tensions between him and the governor.
The County Education Executive, Ms. Dorothy Naivasha, commended Njuki’s commitment to education, urging students to embrace technical courses. She noted that AI would soon replace many theoretical jobs, but technical skills would remain indispensable.
County Administration Executive, Muthini Karangi, also praised the governor for equipping vocational centres and ensuring tutors are paid by the county government.
He highlighted other infrastructure projects initiated by the governor, including the construction of new classrooms and road expansions.
Njuki reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering the youth through skills training, stating that vocational education is the solution to unemployment and economic growth in the county.
He said the Kibuka Vocational Training Centre students will also benefit from Tujiajiri programme which sponsors students and will also be examination centre.
The county boss disbursed vocational training centres capitation and promised to ensure that the institutions are well funded.
He said he is ready to support leaders who are ready to work with him but will not be intimidated by any politician.
He gave Ksh23 million capitation for all students across votational training centres in the county.
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