By Fredrick Odiero
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates have been urged to venture into the informal sector in order to enhance their job prospects.
Speaking at the Kisumu National Polytechnic during an entrepreneurial exhibition hosted by the institution, Richard Muteti, the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, said there are more opportunities in the Jua kali sector than the formal areas.
He revealed that the government is pushing to have TVET graduates assessed according to the skills they have and not the certificates they possess.
‘Youths need to be job creators not job seekers,’ he argued.
He singled out the Kibuye open air market in Kisumu County and the Rotary youth resource centre where artisans have been able to exhibit their skills and employ several others.
He added that the country has 2500 affiliated associations related to the Jua kali sector.
Muteti said a number of Kenyan exhibitors will soon be going to Mwanza in Tanzania to showcase their talents.
He was accompanied by the Principal Secretary State Department for Post Training and Skills Development Mr. Alfred Cheruiyot.
Cheruiyot said the national government is committed to funding vocational training institutions and urged young people to join such institutions and avoid the rush for university degrees.
‘Young graduates should strive to be self-employed and use innovations and research to remain relevant in the job market,’ he said.
Assistant Director of Technical Education Engineer Elisha Abeka said TVETs must network at all levels.
‘Such institutions should be able to share resources and even equipment since they all belong to the same government.’ Abeka said.
He added that TVET graduates from Kenya are on high demand in several countries due to the the high quality of personnel TVETs in Kenya produce.
The official said that national polytechnics are supposed to admit a maximum of 10,000 students.
