Along the Kitale–Kapenguria Highway in Trans Nzoia County, a quiet but powerful transformation is unfolding as hundreds of beneficiaries gain access to free vocational training designed to fight unemployment and restore dignity through practical skills.
At the centre of this initiative is Bishop Dickson Juma Omukosi, founder of Zion the Mountain of Deliverance Church, who has established a skills development programme under the church’s Journeying Out of Brokenness Empowerment initiative.
The Empowerment Centre offers completely free hands-on training in vocational courses including tailoring and fashion design, hairdressing and beauty therapy, computer studies, bakery and food production, welding and fabrication, music training, and driving.
“We are deliberately focusing on practical, hands-on training because many people in our community do not need complicated theory to survive. They need skills they can touch, use, and turn into income immediately,” Bishop Omukosi explains.
The centre is also preparing to expand into plumbing and electrical engineering to meet the growing demand for technical skills in the region.
Unlike traditional academic systems that often rely heavily on theory, the programme focuses on practical, job-ready training that allows learners to start earning immediately after completion.
“When someone learns tailoring here, we don’t just teach theory—we show them how to take measurements, handle a needle, cut fabric, and finish garments professionally so they can confidently serve real customers,” said the Bishop.
Why the Free Training Programme Was Started The initiative was born out of the reality faced by many families in Trans Nzoia County and neighbouring areas, where poverty, school dropout rates, and limited access to higher education have left many young people without opportunities.
According to Bishop Omukosi, the programme was created to remove barriers that have kept people locked out of formal education systems.
“We realized many people are not failures, but victims of circumstance. Some missed out on education due to school fees, while others were hindered by language barriers. We asked what we could do immediately to help them survive and succeed. That is how the initiative was born,” said Bishop Omukosi.
He further emphasizes that the programme is especially designed for those often forgotten by the system:
“We work with school dropouts, young mothers, and women left to raise children alone. Promises of education or a better life often went unfulfilled. As a church, we cannot just preach love—we must show it through action,” he said.
Faith, Giving, and Community Support A key feature of the programme is that all training is completely free. Bishop Omukosi says the initiative is funded through church offerings and support from well-wishers, enabling the centre to purchase equipment and run training sessions without charging students.
“Many ask why we offer everything for free. My answer is simple: ministry’s value isn’t measured by money, but by how many lives we touch, people we lift, and the hungry we help stand again,” he explains.
He continues with a strong spiritual reflection:
“The Bible calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and care for those in need. Rather than wait for people to struggle, we chose to turn our resources into opportunities by providing sewing machines, computers, and tools so people can leave with skills, confidence, and dignity.”
The church also acknowledges the contribution of Apostle Ashley Estrada, who has supported the programme by donating equipment such as sewing machines, computers, and hairdressing tools.
“We are grateful for partners like Apostle Estrada, whose support has helped expand our training capacity. Because we receive freely, we also give freely—that is our guiding principle,” Bishop Omukosi said.
Stories of Transformation from Learners The impact of the programme is best reflected in the lives of its beneficiaries.
Valentine Mwakaida, a young mother studying hairdressing and fashion design, says the programme has given her renewed hope after years of financial struggle.
“Before coming here, I stayed home trying to manage life as a mother without a stable income. School fees blocked my dreams, but now I am learning real skills and can see myself opening a salon and supporting my child,” said Mwakaida.
For Charity Mboka, the programme has helped bridge the gap between academic achievement and opportunity after missing out on university admission.
Here’s a more concise version that preserves the key message:
“I performed well in school and qualified for university, but I am yet to get admitted due to financial constraints. Coming from a humble background, that was discouraging. Now I am learning tailoring, and I believe it will help me pursue my dream of becoming a teacher while giving me the independence to support myself,” said Ms Charity.
Older learners are also finding new purpose at the centre.
Mrs Anne Ondari, a 56-year-old mother and grandmother, says age is not a barrier to learning.
“I’ve realized learning has no age limit. At first, I was afraid, but I found encouragement here. Now I study fashion and design, and I feel proud. I want to start a business to support my family and show other women it’s never too late,” said Mrs Ondari.
Bishop Omukosi expressed the expectation that more than 1,000 trainees will benefit in the current cycle alone. He revealed plans to ensure that successful graduates receive start-up support, such as sewing machines and tools, to help them launch businesses immediately.
