Yatta Member of Parliament Robert Ngui Basil speaking the launch of an ambitious skills-training initiative targeting youths who completed Form Four but failed to join universities or colleges. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
Yatta Member of Parliament Robert Ngui Basil has launched an ambitious skills-training initiative targeting youths who completed Form Four but failed to join universities or colleges due to financial constraints, as well as those who dropped out of primary and secondary school.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the national government’s provincial administration, seeks to enroll the beneficiaries into artisan and technical courses at Yatta Technical and Vocational College (TVET), equipping them with employable, lifelong skills.
The initiative, which began in December last year, involved grassroots interviews conducted at sub-location level under the coordination of Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs), Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs), chiefs and their assistants.
Successful applicants were issued admission letters, after which the MP’s office facilitated their transport from villages across Yatta Constituency to the institution.
More than 1,000 youths have so far qualified, with the first batch of over 100 students already reporting to the college. The group was accompanied by local chiefs and their assistants who played a key role in the selection process. Yatta Constituency comprises eight locations—Matuu, Mavoloni, Kithimani, Ndalani, Ikombe, Katangi, Kyua and Kinyaata—spread across 23 sub-locations.
The beneficiaries will be trained in a wide range of artisan courses including Electrical Installation, Electrical Engineering, Cosmetology, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Masonry, Carpentry, Building Construction, Fashion Design and Clothing, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics, Social Work and Community Development, as well as basic agriculture and farming.
“These short courses cost between KSh 20,000 and KSh 30,000, which is unaffordable for many families,” MP Basil said. “Through Yatta CDF, we are paying KSh 10,000 upfront for every student, while Kenya Commercial Bank will contribute another KSh 10,000. Where parents are unable to clear the balance, the CDF will step in.”
While launching the programme, the MP emphasized that technical training is key to addressing youth unemployment. “TVET is the way to go. Not everyone will make it to university, but everyone deserves a chance to earn a living,” Basil said, adding that skilled labour is in high demand in countries such as Qatar and Dubai.
He noted that the success of the initiative was rooted in collaboration. “This is a joint effort between my office, the national government and the local community,” he said, pledging continued support, including ongoing talks with the Ministry of Housing to secure affordable hostels for students.
Regional TVET Director for Nyanza, Mathias Makewa, lauded the programme, saying, “If education is the key to life, then TVET is the master key. Skills training offers a practical alternative for those who miss out on university education.”
Beneficiaries expressed optimism. “I am excited to be among the first batch. Beauty and cosmetology will give me a future,” said Agnes Ndunge. Phillip Kioko, who will study Electrical Engineering (power option), added, “This opportunity has opened a new chapter in my life.”
Yatta TVET Principal Luke Tallam said the institution was ready to absorb the influx of students. “We had only 170 learners. By the end of this week, we expect about 600 more, with a target of 1,200 from Yatta,” he said.
