Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi County has announced plans to offer employment opportunities to 1,160 young people who graduated from a vocational training programme. The graduates, who completed the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free We-Can Academy programme, could benefit from available positions within the county government. Sang made the pledge during the graduation ceremony at Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex Ground.
The Governor emphasized that his administration would consider graduates whose skills matched the county’s staffing needs, particularly in healthcare and construction. As the government expands public services and infrastructure, Sang believes that vocational training should translate into tangible employment opportunities for young people. He instructed county officials to identify opportunities where qualified graduates could be absorbed into the workforce.
The second cohort of the programme produced 1,160 graduates, more than doubling the number in the inaugural class. Sang predicts that subsequent cohorts will attract even more young people. The Governor commended the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports for supporting initiatives that promote vocational training, entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to dignified work.
Sang also announced plans to allocate land in Kaptembwa to IYF to establish a permanent training institution. This will allow more young people to acquire vocational skills without travelling to Nairobi and other towns. The proposed institution will provide a long-term foundation for vocational training in Nandi, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the programme.
Dr Becky Omolo, a representative from Catholic University Eastern Africa, addressed the graduates, praising the partnership between the county government and IYF. She said the skills acquired will enable graduates to establish small businesses, including salons and kiosks, giving them opportunities to earn a living and support their families. Omolo challenged other counties to emulate Nandi’s partnership with IYF.
The Governor emphasized the importance of practical, market-driven training, urging young people to complement their technical competencies with formal certification. He encouraged graduates and other skilled workers to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework implemented by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). This framework provides a pathway for individuals to have competencies acquired through apprenticeships, informal training, and practical experience assessed and certified.
Sang further urged IYF to work with the county government to establish free Wezesha Academies across the county’s sub-counties to extend training opportunities beyond Kaptembwa. He stressed that youth empowerment was a long-term development priority rather than a political undertaking. The Governor expressed confidence that future administrations will build on the foundation already established.
Key points
- Governor Sang pledges jobs for 1,160 Nandi youth graduates
- The county government will prioritize qualified trainees for available positions in healthcare and construction
- A permanent training institution will be established in Kaptembwa to provide vocational skills to young people
