Busia delegation visits Eldoret polytechnic to study overseas jobs

ELDORET National Polytechnic recently hosted a delegation from Busia county for a benchmarking tour on technical and vocational education and training programmes aimed at preparing youth for overseas employment.

The delegation was led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, who met with chief principal Charles Koech to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The polytechnic is recognised as a centre of excellence in TVET, with Koech and the institution earning accolades for delivering quality training. Over the past year, TENP has hosted more than 35 benchmarking delegations from across Kenya and beyond.

During the visit, Koech reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to working with stakeholders, including legislators like Kaunya, to enhance skills development and international certification.

“We have wide training opportunities that can extensively benefit our youth, ensuring they have the capacity to take up emerging jobs locally and abroad,” Koech said.

MP Kaunya commended TENP for its innovative training models and international partnerships that address labour market needs. He noted that their visit focused on learning about TENP’s experience with Australian qualifications and Recognition of Prior Learning programmes.

“TENP is ahead in TVET training and that is why we are here—to learn and see how our youth from Busia can also benefit,” Kaunya said.

The MP was accompanied by Lawrence Ongati, principal of Chamasiri Technical and Vocational College, and other officials. Ongati said the delegation had learned from TENP’s experience in international qualifications and competency-based pathways, which could be adapted to benefit more Kenyan youth.

Residents of Eldoret, led by Benjamin Leting, Wilson Tum, and Betty Cherop, welcomed the new partnership between TENP and the Busia team.

“We urge other MPs to emulate Kaunya and support TENP so that available opportunities benefit more youth,” said Leting, who praised Koech’s leadership and commitment to developing skills that enable youth to access employment opportunities in Australia and elsewhere.

The delegation also acknowledged Kenya’s envoy to Australia, Wilson Bett, for helping strengthen ties between the two countries, particularly in supporting youth employment opportunities.