The Nairobi City County, under the Sector of Talents, Skills Development, and Care, has been at the forefront of running and managing Vocational Training Centers and offering Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities since the onset of devolution. With a mission to equip Nairobi citizens with employable skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential for county and national development, the county government is committed to offering globally competitive, relevant, and quality technical education.
Currently, the Nairobi City County Government oversees operations at 11 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) strategically located across the county. These include Bahati, Ofafa, and Jericho in Makadara Sub-County; Dandora Greenlight in Embakasi North Sub-County; Kangemi in Westlands Sub-County; Mathare and Old Mathari in Mathare Sub-County; Kiwanja and Kahawa Garrison in Roysambu Sub County; Waithaka in Dagoretti South Sub-County; and Embakasi in Embakasi East Sub-County.
With a total enrollment of 5,852 trainees and 91 instructors since 2022, the county government is actively working to increase enrollment and minimize dropout rates. To achieve this, Governor Sakaja’s administration has introduced subsidized vocational training funds and increased bursary allocations for VTC trainees.
The VTCs offer a diverse range of courses tailored to meet the needs of various industries. These courses include Metal Processing Technology, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Building Construction Technology & Masonry, Electrical and Electronic Technology, Information Communication Technology, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Food Processing Technology, Plumbing and Piping, Painting and Decoration, and Motor Vehicle Technology, among others.
Recognizing the importance of driving skills in today’s job market, the county has also introduced Driving courses at Waithaka, Dandora Greenlight, Kangemi and Mathare vocational training centers, making driving skills accessible and affordable to Nairobi residents.
Governor Sakaja’s commitment to empowering youth and nurturing their skills and talents has been exemplified through the VTCs. By offering opportunities for continued education, the VTCs have played a significant role in the growth and development of the youth, thereby reducing cases of early pregnancies and involvement of youth in criminal activities.
Mr. Leonard Mititi, Nairobi County Deputy Director of Vocational Training, emphasized the pivotal role of VTCs in building a skilled and competitive workforce. “Vocational education equips our youth with practical skills and knowledge that directly align with the needs of our local industries and businesses. It offers a pathway to meaningful employment and contributes to economic growth,” noted Mr. Mititi.
To meet the growing demand for vocational training, the Nairobi City County, under Governor Sakaja’s leadership, is in the process of allocating land for additional VTCs in each Ward, ensuring increased access to vocational education and training for all Nairobi residents.