Governor Sonko opens Ksh.180 million training centre in Nairobi

Hundreds of unemployed youth in Nairobi are set to benefit from a multi-million vocational training centre set up in Dandora Estate.

The Dandora Greenlight Vocational Centre, a Ksh.180 million project that started in 2016, was officially opened on Friday, February 9 in a ceremony presided over by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

The centre was established in a joint collaboration between the Nairobi City County Government, Kenya Good Neighbours, Korea International Agency Motors and Korea International Cooperation Agency.

Speaking during the opening of the training centre, Governor Sonko said the project would go a long way in reducing unemployment by equipping the youth with skills to sustain their lives.

“70% of the unemployed in Kenya are the youths and a great number of the unemployed lack technical and vocational skills that are provided in the vocational training centers. Armed with the skills, the youths will either become self-employed or secure employment in the public or private sector,” said Sonko.

The institution is set to offer courses such as Motor Vehicle Technology, Fashion Design and dress making, Beauty Therapy and Hair Dressing, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical and Electronics Technology, Building and Construction among others.

“I encourage members of the Dandora Community and beyond to embrace Vocational Training Centres across the country. The Nairobi City County Government is committed to ensuring quality training in our vocational training centres. We will continue to work with likeminded partners and stakeholders to achieve this,” added Governor Sonko.

During the groundbreaking ceremony at Dandora Primary School in 2016, then Nairobi county Education executive Anne Lokidor said the centre will enlist 100 trainees each year.

The trainees will also receive internship opportunities at KIA motors.