𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐈𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

H.E. Governor Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, OGW, today presided over the STEEP graduation ceremony at Kakamega County National Polytechnic, where he restated the County Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive education. He congratulated the graduands and emphasized that vocational training remains a key focus of his administration.

Over the past three years, the County Government has supported 25,955 trainees in county polytechnics through capitation and a KSh 30 million bursary programme for vulnerable youth across 68 institutions. The Governor said skills training is helping young people secure jobs, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to local economic growth.

The graduation celebrated the success of the STEM Education for Empowerment Programme (STEEP), which saw 391 girls aged between 14 and 18 earn certificates in Plumbing and Pipefitting, and Food and Beverage Production. Many of the graduates are teen mothers and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting the County’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all.

Governor Barasa also announced that Kakamega County has been cleared by the National Government to issue bursaries to senior school students from vulnerable families, with KSh 150 million set aside for the programme. He urged ward administrators to ensure a fair process in identifying eligible Grade 10 students.

The Governor thanked development partners, including Global Affairs Canada, the Barrett Family Foundation, Humber Polytechnic, Cap Youth Empowerment Institute (CAPYEI), and the First Lady of Kakamega County, Prof. Janet Kassilly Barasa, for supporting skills training and teen mothers. He noted that the presence of employers at the ceremony showed growing confidence in county training programmes and the importance of partnerships in driving development for the people of Kakamega County.

The event was also attended by Members of County Assembly, the executive, parents and guardians.