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ASMAK has urged learning institutions and industry players to deepen collaboration in order to equip young people with skills that match the evolving demands of both local and international labour markets.
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The ASMAK chairperson Francis Wahome observed that many employers continue to struggle in finding workers with the right competencies despite the increasing number of graduates entering the job market annually.
The Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya (ASMAK) has urged learning institutions and industry players to deepen collaboration in order to equip young people with skills that match the evolving demands of both local and international labour markets.
Speaking during the Kabete National Polytechnic- Fourth International Research Conference, Skills Competition, Innovation, Career Guidance and Expo, ASMAK Chairperson Francis Wahome said stronger linkages between academia and industry are essential in shaping a workforce that is competitive, adaptable and ready for the future of work.
Addressing participants under the theme “Industry–Academia Linkages and the Future of Work,” Wahome lauded Kabete National Polytechnic for providing a platform that brings together educators, employers, government agencies and students to discuss emerging workforce trends and opportunities.
He noted that training institutions play a crucial role in developing talent, while employers rely on that talent to drive economic growth. As such, he emphasized the need for continuous engagement between the two sectors to ensure graduates acquire practical and market-relevant skills.
According to Wahome, employers should be actively involved in curriculum design and review processes to ensure training programmes remain responsive to changing industry requirements. He added that regular consultations between institutions and employers can help address skills gaps and improve the employability of graduates.
The ASMAK chairperson observed that many employers continue to struggle in finding workers with the right competencies despite the increasing number of graduates entering the job market annually.
He attributed this challenge to a mismatch between classroom training and workplace expectations, stressing that closer cooperation between industry and educational institutions can help bridge this gap.
“Training must be informed by the realities of the labour market if graduates are to secure meaningful employment,” he said.
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Wahome highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in international markets, noting that countries across the Middle East, Europe and Asia continue to recruit professionals in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, construction, ICT, manufacturing, beauty and wellness, and technical trades.
He encouraged TVET institutions and universities to align their programmes with international standards and certification requirements to enable graduates to access employment opportunities beyond Kenya’s borders.
He noted that Kenya possesses a large pool of talented youth who can excel globally if provided with the right training and exposure.
Beyond technical competencies, Wahome emphasized the growing importance of soft skills in today’s workplace.
He identified communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and professional ethics as some of the attributes employers increasingly seek when recruiting workers.
Digital literacy and technological competence were also cited as critical skills as industries continue to embrace digital transformation and automation.
Additionally, he said cross-cultural understanding has become increasingly important for workers seeking employment opportunities in different countries and regions.
The ASMAK chairperson underscored the value of internships, apprenticeships and industrial attachments in preparing students for successful careers.
He called on employers to create more opportunities for workplace learning, saying practical experience allows students to develop professional competencies while gaining firsthand exposure to workplace environments.
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Wahome also encouraged institutions to strengthen supervision and evaluation of industrial attachments to ensure students acquire meaningful skills during their training.
Recognizing labour migration as an important avenue for job creation, Wahome said international employment opportunities continue to offer hope to many Kenyan youths.
However, he stressed the importance of ensuring labour migration remains safe, ethical and well-regulated to protect workers and promote responsible recruitment practices.
He encouraged institutions to partner with labour migration agencies and stakeholders to educate students on overseas employment requirements, workplace culture, language expectations and international regulations.
Wahome observed that technological advancements and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries and redefining job roles across the globe.
While some traditional occupations may become automated, he said new opportunities are emerging in technology-driven sectors, making it necessary for institutions to continually update their training programmes.
He urged learners to embrace lifelong learning and continuous skills development to remain relevant in a rapidly changing employment landscape.
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To strengthen workforce preparedness, ASMAK proposed the establishment of industry advisory boards within training institutions to facilitate continuous dialogue between educators and employers.
The association also recommended expanding internship and apprenticeship programmes, integrating digital and soft skills into all courses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating regular labour market forums where employers can share insights on emerging workforce trends.
Wahome concluded by emphasizing that the future of employment will be shaped by collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders.
He reaffirmed ASMAK’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance employability, facilitate safe labour migration and create opportunities for Kenyan youth both locally and internationally.
“The objective should not simply be to graduate students, but to nurture competent professionals who can succeed in Kenya and compete effectively in the global labour market,” he said.
The conference provided a valuable forum for stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to workforce development and the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in preparing graduates for the opportunities and challenges of the future world of work.
By Felix Njenga
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