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A community in Nyamira County has rallied parents to encourage their children to join TVET institution for employable skills
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Parents and guardians have been told that the job market is changing rapidly and that many university graduates are struggling to find employment, while skilled technicians, artisans, are in high demand both locally and abroad.
Residents of Nyagware village in Kiabonyoru ward of Nyamira County have been asked to be in the forefront in encouraging their children who have completed Secondary School education to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses.
The call was made during a community consultative meeting convened to discuss education and youth empowerment in the area.
Retired teacher Willi Mesa, who was the main speaker at the meeting, highlighted the importance of technical education over the normal academic course work.
He told parents and guardians that the job market is changing rapidly and that many university graduates are struggling to find employment, while skilled technicians, artisans, are in high demand both locally and abroad.
Mesa explained that TVET equips learners with practical skills that can be applied immediately in areas such as carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing, automotive mechanics, tailoring, welding, and agribusiness.
He noted that these skills enable young people to start their own businesses, create employment for others, and contribute directly to the economic growth of their communities.
He encouraged those who will join the technical courses and complete successfully to be job creators rather than job seekers.
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“We must think beyond seeking employment in the country alone to avoid competitions but package ourselves in readiness for international employability,” he said.
Mesa stressed that with the right certification and exposure, Kenyan technicians can compete for opportunities in the Middle East, Europe, and other regions facing skills shortages.
The residents asked the youth, especially those in the bodaboda industry, to equip themselves with extra technical skills to enable them to handle their business with acumen.
They noted that skills in mechanics, customer service, and financial management would help riders run safer, more profitable, and more sustainable operations.
Mesa also pointed out that TVET courses are shorter, more affordable, and more flexible compared to traditional university degrees. This, he said, makes them accessible to students from low-income families who may not have the means to finance a four-year university program.
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He urged parents to change the mindset that only white-collar jobs lead to success and to support their children in choosing careers based on their abilities and interests.
The retired teacher further encouraged the community to make use of the nearby technical training institutes and youth polytechnics, which have been upgraded by both the county and national government. He pledged to continue sensitizing parents in the ward on the value of skills-based education and called on local leaders to support students through bursaries and mentorship programs.
Residents who attended the meeting welcomed the message and resolved to hold similar forums in other villages to reach more parents and school leavers.
By Enock Okong’o
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