George Kombe, the Board Member of the Commonwealth Organisation of Social Workers representing Kenya in Geneva, has urged County Governments to hire social workers, as many are trained in various institutions across the country.
Speaking during the World Social Workers Day event yesterday (18th March), which involved students from Sigalagala National Polytechnic and Friends College Kaimosi in Kakamega, Kombe highlighted that there are numerous students who have trained in social work and are qualified to be employed in the County Governments’ Departments of Health and Social Services.
“If you go to level 3, 4, and 5 hospitals across the counties, there is no social worker who can address patients on social issues,” he lamented. He further urged the County Government of Kakamega to embrace the employment of youth who have trained in social work, as it would create job opportunities and improve social support services.
Kombe also disclosed that a bill currently in Parliament, which has reached the second reading, is aimed at assisting in the development of the country by facilitating the employment of social workers. He called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to pass the bill immediately. “We have jobs in Kenya, and a law will be implemented for employment, especially for students pursuing social work courses,” he emphasized.
He added that the implementation of the new law would also address the issue of Kenyan youth traveling abroad, particularly to Saudi Arabia, in search of employment. “This law will provide opportunities here at home, particularly for those pursuing social work,” Kombe concluded.
Dr. Patricia Kariaga, a representative of the Directorate of Short Courses and Rebotomic Research at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), encouraged the community to present short courses and explore partnerships with the university. She specifically highlighted how social workers would be able to use these opportunities to contribute to national development.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Teachers’ unions demand compensation for student killed by crocodile in Bomet
“For students who want to study social work, we welcome you at MMUST. Social workers in Kenya are doing extremely well. Right now, this is an opportunity to contribute significantly to nation-building and to solve the pressing issues we face,” Dr. Kariaga said. She encouraged those with a passion for social work to follow their calling, register for the courses, and join in the efforts to build the nation.
By Hilda Atika.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
