Script by: Makenah Kaburu
Photos by: Leaky Gitonga

Meru holds it's first ever Inter - Vocational Training Centers Competition at The Githongo Stadium, where trainees show cased their talents, skills and innovations to the public and judges alike.

The Chief Guest, County Secretary, Mr. Rufus Miriti who officiated the event, congratulated the participants for having qualified to be part of the exercise. He highlighted the fact that the Governor had, since coming to office, proven that he was keen on eradicating youth apathy and poverty. Following his promise to do so, Governor Kiraitu had set up the MYS program and gone ahead to empower and equip Vocational Training Institutions in Meru. "We have 30 public VTCs and it is the County Government's intention to fully equip all Centers with modern training equipment, provide more advanced trainings for the instructors and expand the facilities so that our youth can access the best services and training possible." Said the CS.

The CEC, Ms. liner Nkirote, was equally impressed by the innovations and projects showcased by participants. "We are endowed by many youth who we want to empower as a County Government. We also want to ensure quality education for all. Training and equipping our youth with such skills, will allow them contribute to the President's Agenda 4, of Manufacturing. It is quite obvious, that there is a ready market for their products and are we're confident, that our youth, once through with their learning, will go on to be productive members of the society, both as employees and prominent business people."

The Chief Officer, Mr. Harun Kanathi, reiterated the CS and CECs sentiments that every member of the society deserved a right to education, and VTCs, like the colleges and Universities, provide an opportunity for the youth to acquire skills they can and will utilize to better their lives. "We have seen students from Vocational Training Institutes showcase impressive items on Hairdressing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, tailoring, hospitality and so much else, that we are determined to see to it that the society embraces VTCs, and that we continue empowering and students and centers alike."

Mr. John Kirima, a student whose major is plumbing at the Nkubu VTC, explained how his Foot Controlled Hand Washing Machine works. An innovation that left the crowd perplexed and impressed in equal measure. Mr. Martin Mputhia and Justus Mutumiria, from Githongo VTC, showcased their brilliant Car Park Counter, which has sensors at the entry point. This innovation is set to eradicate corruption and theft of revenue, as each vehicle will be scanned at the entry point, reflect and relay the same data to a monitor that keeps count and records of all motor vehicles that have had access to the parking lot. At this same sensor, vehicles shall be weighed to ascertain whether or not, they are compliant with the set laws if the maximum weight they should carry. Contrary to which, authorities, also present at the sensor point, shall be alerted.

Lena Isumbi from Nkubu VTC and her colleagues show cased an impressive collection and know how, of hair dressing and beauty therapy, while Kelvin Kirimi and Charlo Katania from Kianjai VTC, wowed the crowd with their assembled Vehicle, where in the board, they showcased their prowess on assembling, operating and repairing motor vehicles. Upon probing, the two explained that they have received training on Motor Vehicle Electric engineering, which has equipped them with the know how of dealing with all issues wiring, and trained in Motor Vehicle Mechanical engineering as well. Both of which, they demonstrated competently.

All Vocational Training Institutes had a presentation to show, ranging from smart beds that are fully equipped with drawers, attached side tables, shoe larks and a hanging centre, all in one set. Others included wall units, dressing mirrors, water heating systems, garment sections, electrical installations such as alarms, motion sensor lights and door bells among others.

Present at the event, was the Director Ms. Gladys, Institution Managers, Instructors and the Ward Administrator, Mr. Nelson Kimathi among others.