The Impact of Vocational Training Centers on Youth Economic Participation: A Case Study of Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of vocational training centers on youth economic participation in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study examined data from 225 participants, including vocational training graduates, current trainees, training center administrators, local employers, and government officials. The research employed stratified random sampling for quantitative data and purposive sampling for qualitative insights, utilizing questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis as data collection methods. The findings reveal that vocational training significantly enhances youth economic participation, with 71% of graduates either securing formal employment (43%) or establishing successful businesses (28%). Post-training average monthly income more than doubled from KES 15,000 to KES 35,000. However, the study identified significant gaps, particularly in digital skills training (30% gap) and curriculum relevance to market demands. Program effectiveness varied across different vocational courses, with electrical programs showing the highest success rates (88% completion rate, 76% employment rate) compared to other programs. The research concludes that while vocational training centers play a crucial role in youth economic empowerment, several challenges persist, including limited resources, outdated curricula, and skills misalignment with market needs. The study recommends strengthening policy frameworks, modernizing training facilities, enhancing curriculum relevance, improving stakeholder engagement, and implementing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, training institutions, and stakeholders involved in youth skills development and economic empowerment initiatives in Kenya.
Keywords
Vocational training, youth employment, economic participation, skills development, technical education, Kenya
Citations
IRE Journals:
Florence Wanjala
"The Impact of Vocational Training Centers on Youth Economic Participation: A Case Study of Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 7 2025 Page 97-104
IEEE:
Florence Wanjala
"The Impact of Vocational Training Centers on Youth Economic Participation: A Case Study of Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(7)
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