On 6th November 2020, Koica Alumni Kenya Chapter KAKC visited Muteithia Vocational Training Centre (VTC) situated in Biashara ward Naivasha sub-county, Nakuru County. The KAKC team was represented by four Alumni members, Daniel Sankaire (Executive
Chairman), Margaret Muia (Deputy Chair), Siddy Jepkirui (Secretary), Dr. Macharia Muchunu (Deputy Secretary) also Madam Aidah represented the KOICA Kenya office. The purpose of the visit was to present the equipment for the newly established Food and Beverage Department.

All the key stakeholders attended the meeting, including the County government of Nakuru officers led by the Director of Education, ICT, and eGovernment department, Mr. David Mwangi. The Biashara ward Member of County Assembly, Hon. Joel Karuri, the Board of Governors was represented by the chairperson Pastor Gathaiya. Two parents, the teaching staff, and most importantly the students who are the primary beneficiaries of the equipment were also present. Also in attendance was the manager of the Disability Resource and Information Centre – DRIC, Madam Josephine.

The facility is located at the Naivasha level 5 Hospital. DRIC works closely with Muteithia VTC and has the arrangement to assist youth from families affected by disability. We were told the story of Alice, a teenage girl enrolled at Muteithia VTC through DRIC. Alice’s brother was born with a disability and depended on others, mostly Alice and his mother to feed him and other daily activities. As a result, Alice did not have a chance to study past her primary level. Luckily she was enrolled at Muteithia through DRIC and has successfully completed her Grade III certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.

Muteithia Vocational Training Centre is Located in Naivasha where the Hospitality industry is one of the main economic activities in the region. The management thought it wise to start a food and beverage workshop that will help impart skills that are in high demand in the region and Kenya at large. The management is keen to increase enrollment by reaching out to youth especially those from poor backgrounds. Trainees will also participate in income-generating activities where they will offer outside catering and have a cafeteria and a bakery to sell bread to the surrounding community The Director welcomed the KAKC team’s support for vocational training which he said is the future of education. He said the county government of Nakuru is committed to technical education and is doing a lot to aid smooth learning in its Vocational Training Centres. He was very grateful to KAKC for the kind gesture of
buying the expensive and much-needed equipment for Muteithia VTC.

KAKC donated the items listed below:
a) Energy-saving firewood cooker
b) Carbon-free energy-saving oven – can bake cakes, and roast meat
c) Deep fryer
d) Tea urn
Note: All the equipment are made of stainless steel hence long-lasting and suitable for such an institution.

By Margaret Muia
KAKC Deputy Executive Director