More than 100 youths who recently graduated from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kisumu are set to begin work on Monday at the ongoing affordable housing project in Lumumba Estate.
The deployment was announced on Sunday by Solomon Owango Amuti, political adviser to Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Adhiambo Odinga, during a press briefing at her Tom Mboya Estate office.
Amuti said the first group consists mainly of painters and masons, noting that the contractor has assured them of long-term engagement until the project’s completion.
“We have ensured that trained youths are getting jobs. That is why we are flagging off the first batch to begin work at the Lumumba affordable housing site tomorrow. The project will take time to complete, which means they will be engaged throughout,” Amuti said.
He further revealed that Odinga’s office is engaging other contractors to secure more job opportunities for TVET graduates across Kisumu County.
Among the beneficiaries is Niva Awino from Kisumu North Ward, who completed a painting course at NITA Kisumu through sponsorship from Ruth’s office. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am thankful to Mama Ruth for not only giving me a job but also building my confidence. As a girl, I feel encouraged and protected because we’ve been provided with full work gear. This opportunity is life-changing,” said Awino.
Her sentiments were echoed by Walter Omondi Juma, 30, from Manyatta B Ward in Kisumu East, who will also join the Lumumba project as a painter.
“I used to work without academic documents, but through Mama Ruth’s support at NITA, I gained certification and now I’ve landed this opportunity. My life has changed, and I can’t thank her enough,” said Omondi.
Since 2022, Ruth’s office has trained more than 600 youths across seven sub-counties in partnership with institutions such as NITA Kisumu, Ahero VTC, Rotary Vocational Training Centre, Seme Technical Institute, Katito VTC, Bishop Abiero Technical, and Akado VTC.
Amuti disclosed that over 200 informal sector workers were taken through trade tests to acquire certification, while 110 boda boda riders received licenses after training. Additionally, more than 1,581 students have benefited from bursaries, and over 50 young women have graduated from VTCs with start-up equipment provided.
The office has also supplied groups with machinery, including carwash units, mechanical tools, woodwork and welding machines, spraying equipment, and even designed three boat engines for women’s groups along the Lake Victoria shoreline.
Amuti affirmed that the empowerment drive will continue, with more than seven groups in each ward across Kisumu West, Nyakach, Seme, and Kisumu Central set to receive support before the year ends, including seed money for table banking initiatives.
“Hon. Ruth Odinga is committed to uplifting the people of Kisumu. She welcomes everyone and is keen on ensuring that youths and women are empowered economically,” Amuti said.
