The County Government of Nakuru, through the Department of Education (Vocational Training), welcomed Alice Vozza, the Regional Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist from the International Labor Organization (ILO), to assess the progress and success stories of vocational training initiatives. Ms. Vozza, part of the ILO’s Decent Work Team for Africa based in Pretoria, South Africa, visited Mirera Vocational Training Center in Naivasha, a beneficiary of the public-private partnership engagement.
Led by the Director of Vocational Training, Mr. David Mwangi, the visit aimed to showcase the outcomes of the collaboration between Nakuru County and ILO in improving the quality of service delivery and skills development in vocational training centers (VTCs). The focus has been on training both trainees and instructors to align their skills with market trends, enhancing employability and the overall effectiveness of vocational training.
Mirera Vocational Training Center stands as a testament to the success of the public-private partnership engagement, where tangible achievements have been witnessed since the inception of the program. The visit provided an opportunity for Ms. Vozza and other ILO officials to witness firsthand the impact of their support on the ground.
During the visit, Director David Mwangi expressed appreciation for the partnership, highlighting the significant achievements and positive outcomes. He noted that a considerable number of trainees from Mirera VTC have secured employment opportunities, internships, and attachments in various companies, indicating the practical relevance of the skills acquired.
Mr. Mwangi urged the ILO team to consider extending their support to more VTCs in Nakuru County during the upcoming second phase of implementation. The success stories from Mirera VTC serve as inspiration for scaling up similar initiatives, contributing to the county’s overall goal of enhancing vocational training and creating a skilled workforce aligned with market demands.
The International Labor Organization’s engagement in Mirera and Maiella in Nakuru County exemplifies the commitment to bridging the skills gap and fostering employment opportunities. As Nakuru County looks towards the future, the collaboration with ILO stands as a model for effective partnerships that drive positive change in vocational training, empower the youth, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
