President William Ruto has commissioned the Watamu Technical and Vocational College (TVC) in Kilifi North Constituency, saying the institution will play a key role in preparing young people for emerging employment opportunities along the Coast.

Ruto said the various development projects being undertaken in the region, including the proposed KSh2.2 trillion Dangote East African Refinery, will create demand for skilled workers with technical and vocational qualifications.

Speaking during the commissioning of the institution in Watamu town, the President said the government was investing in technical and vocational education to ensure young people acquire practical skills needed to participate in major economic projects.

He said the establishment and expansion of TVET institutions would help bridge the skills gap while creating a workforce capable of supporting industries expected to emerge from the government's development programmes.

“The various development projects we are initiating across the Coast, including the KSh2.2 trillion Dangote East African Refinery, will require skilled workforce,” Ruto said.

The President announced that the National Government will equip Watamu TVC with facilities worth KSh45 million to strengthen training and improve the institution's capacity to prepare students for the job market.

He said the investment would provide learners with access to modern training facilities and enhance their ability to acquire practical and technical skills.

According to Ruto, technical institutions such as Watamu TVC will be central to ensuring that young people from the Coast benefit directly from the region's expanding economic opportunities.

The President said the government was keen on linking education and skills development with ongoing and planned investments so that local communities can supply the workforce required by industries.

The commissioning of Watamu TVC comes amid increased government focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions as a pathway for young people seeking employment, entrepreneurship and specialised technical skills.

Ruto said equipping the institution was part of the National Government's commitment to strengthening TVET education and preparing young people for opportunities expected to arise from investments across the Coast.

The President's announcement places Watamu TVC among institutions expected to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce as the government seeks to attract and expand investments in the region.

The planned KSh45 million equipment investment is expected to enhance training capacity at the college and provide learners with better opportunities to acquire industry-relevant skills.

Ruto urged young people to take advantage of technical and vocational training, saying the future opportunities created by major infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and other projects would require workers with practical skills.

The commissioning marks another step in the government's efforts to expand access to technical training while aligning TVET programmes with the country's broader economic development agenda.