In a significant boost to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya, Finlays Community Trust, a charitable organisation funded by Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays, has officially commissioned modern Mechanical and Masonry Workshops at Sot Technical Training Institute in Merigi Ward, Bomet East Sub-County. The Kshs. 10.1 million facilities are expected to directly benefit more than 690 students per year, equipping them with practical skills critical for Kenya’s evolving job market. The building that houses the two workshops was intentionally designed and constructed to support additional floors in the future—giving the institute flexibility to expand and add more facilities as space needs grow.
This milestone is part of the Trust’s broader commitment to improving educational infrastructure in Bomet and Kericho counties. In addition to the Sot project, the Trust recently completed the construction of a Civil Workshop at Chepseon Youth Polytechnic in Kericho County. These projects align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s focus on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), which emphasizes skills development to reduce youth unemployment and drive economic growth.
Ambassador Joshua Terer, Vice Chairperson of Finlays Community Trust, emphasized the long-term impact of this project:
“These workshops are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re a bridge to opportunity for hundreds of young people in our community. When we equip young people with practical skills, we’re not just changing their lives; we’re strengthening entire communities. At Finlays Community Trust, we believe in empowering youth with practical skills that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and a brighter future. This is how we bridge the gap between learning and earning, and it’s why we’ll keep investing in education that works.”
According to the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, enrolment in TVET institutions in Kenya has now surpassed 500,000 students, up from 275,000 in 2018, showing a marked increase in demand for technical skills. However, infrastructure and industry linkage gaps remain a barrier to quality and relevance. The Finlays Community Trust’s investment in TVET education directly addresses this challenge by equipping students with hands-on technical skills.
Speaking during the commissioning of the workshops, Bomet County Deputy Governor H.E. Shadrack Rotich said:
“Today marks a proud moment for Bomet County as we commission these state-of-the-art Mechanical and Masonry Workshops. This investment by Finlays Community Trust is more than an infrastructure project—it is a powerful vote of confidence in the potential of our youth. With over 690 students set to benefit annually, these facilities will equip our young people with practical skills essential for self-reliance, reducing unemployment, and spurring local economic growth. As a County Government, we remain committed to working hand in hand with partners like Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays to ensure that every young person has access to quality, skills-based education that prepares them for a brighter future.”
The Trust’s commitment to TVET extends beyond infrastructure, focussing on bridging the gap between education and employment opportunities. In partnership with Browns Plantations Kenya, it provides attachment and employment opportunities for qualified TVET graduates. Additionally, the Trust runs an annual TVET Scholarship Programme supporting over 40 students from Bomet and Kericho counties. Each graduate also receives a Kshs. 50,000 tool kit, further supporting self-reliance and employability.
Since its inception in 2010, Finlays Community Trust has invested more than Kshs. 320 million in 79 transformative projects across the region. These include a fully equipped secondary school, 20 laboratories, 13 libraries, 13 classrooms, 6 dining halls, and 6 dormitories—creating supportive, modern learning environments across the education spectrum.
As Kenya continues to prioritize industrialization and job creation, targeted investment in TVET will be key. Finlays Community Trust remains committed to playing a pivotal role in this journey, one workshop, one student, and one community at a time.
