This is a public-private initiative, aimed at boosting youth employability and addressing rural unemployment.
The beneficiaries, comprised of 20 from each of the counties, will pursue specialised training in trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, masonry, garment making, welding and ICT at Belgut and Konoin Technical Training Institutes, with each trainee receiving a start-up toolkit worth Sh50,000 upon graduation to support self-employment or immediate entry into the job market.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training PS Dr. Esther Muoria, in a speech read on her behalf by the Deputy Director of Technical Training, Dr. Bernard Isalambo, during the awarding ceremony held at a Kericho hotel, said the initiative aligns with the Kenya Kwanza government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which places youth skills development, job creation and industrial growth at the centre of national development.
Dr. Muoria further noted that the government is shifting focus from paper qualifications to practical competencies, reflecting a national push to align training with market demands, adding that empowering youth with hands-on skills, not only creates a pathway to self-reliance but also strengthens the informal and SME sectors, which are the backbone of Kenya’s economy.
“This collaboration between government, private sector and community stakeholders directly addresses unemployment, skills gaps and economic disparities and so by enabling young people to access hands-on technical training, we are laying the groundwork for Kenya’s future workforce,” she said.
At the same time, the CEO, Browns Plantations Kenya, Dushanth Ratwatte, announced that the students will also benefit from industrial attachments and job placement opportunities within the company’s expansive operations, giving them hands-on exposure to industry practices, adding that the firm views education as a key pillar of its social investment strategy.
“This programme is not just about funding education; it’s about preparing youth for real-world industry standards and our investment in their training, tools and practical exposure will give them a competitive edge in the job market and the company remains committed to building a skilled and self-reliant community workforce,” said Ratwatte.
On his part, the Finlays Community Trust Board of Trustees Chairperson, Bishop Alfred Rotich, said the scholarship initiative is now in its second year and reflects the Trust’s long-term vision to empower communities through access to quality education and vocational training, emphasising the importance of equipping youth with relevant skills to meet emerging market demands.
In addition to scholarships, Finlays Community Trust has channelled over Sh317 million into 79 education infrastructure projects in Bomet and Kericho counties, including the construction of modern classrooms, fully equipped science laboratories, student dormitories, libraries and practical workshops, aimed at enhancing the quality of technical training.
The recent infrastructure investments include the development of modern workshops at Chepseon Youth Polytechnic and Sot Technical Training Institute, which are now expected to absorb more students seeking hands-on skills training under the government’s TVET expansion framework.
Since its inception in 2021, Finlays Community Trust has awarded scholarships to more than 1,100 students across various education levels, including 586 secondary school students, 80 TVET trainees (including the current cohort), 428 undergraduates, and 25 postgraduate students pursuing advanced studies locally and abroad.
Finlays Community Trust is funded by Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays and focuses on education support, water and sanitation projects, environmental conservation and youth empowerment across Kericho and Bomet counties.
By Kibe Mburu, Kenya News.
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