Kisumu has cemented its place at the forefront of Kenya’s vocational training revolution, unveiling a transformative vision aimed at empowering youth and accelerating industrial growth.
At the Kisumu Conference on Centres of Vocational Expertise (CoVEx) in Action, held Thursday at Akado Vocational Training Centre, leaders, global partners, and training institutions showcased sweeping reforms reshaping technical education across the region.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the CoVEx Kisumu Project as a catalytic force. “We are transforming vocational centres from basic institutions into hubs of excellence,” said Nyong’o. “With partners like Comundo, Pratham International, and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), this vision is not only possible, it’s happening.”
The event highlighted institutions such as Ujima College, Sabako VTC, Smiles Hub, and Akado VTC, which have become models of delivering market-driven, practical skills to the youth.
Marc Bloch, County Director for Swiss NGO Comundo, praised the Swiss dual-training system as a model Kisumu is adapting with success. “In Switzerland, only 30 to 40 percent of youth go to university. The rest enter vocational training through apprenticeships by age 16. By the time university graduates finish at 25 with limited experience, vocational students already have nearly a decade of practical expertise,” said Bloch. “In Switzerland, even bank employees are vocational graduates, and they’re doing excellent work.”
Bloch noted that Comundo supports institutions like Akado VTC with funding, modern teaching materials, and technical expertise.
Kisumu County Executive for Education John Awiti, County Assembly Chief Whip Seth Ochieng, and area MCA Kelvin Oraro emphasized the importance of aligning public policy, industry demands, and international collaboration to build a sustainable future for the region’s youth.
Governor Nyong’o underlined the shared responsibility behind the success of the CoVEx model. “International partners bring the expertise, the industry shapes the curriculum and employs the graduates, and the county provides infrastructure and policy support.”
The CoVEx Kisumu Project is now being viewed as a national model, one that places hands-on skills, innovation, and global partnerships at the heart of Kenya’s drive toward inclusive economic transformation.
