The government has been urged to put more emphasis on technical training to address the jobs deficit the country is facing.
This is after recent data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicated that more than three million Kenyans, majority of who are youth, are jobless.
Stakeholders, who spoke at Milestone Institute in Thika during the institution’s graduation ceremony where 800 graduands were conferred with diplomas and certificates in diverse fields, observed that equipping the Kenyan youth with requisite technical skills will address the joblessness menace in the country.
Led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who was the Chief Guest at the ceremony, the stakeholders noted that allocation of more resources to vocational and technical training will ensure that more youth and especially those who failed to secure University slots enroll for the technical courses.
The MP maintained that there are numerous job opportunities overseas which can be exploited by Kenyan youth adding that time is ripe for the government to start providing linkages and exporting skilled labour to countries like Canada, Germany, France among others.
He also called on the county governments and Members of Parliament to support technical training at the grassroot levels by sponsoring students and especially those who hail from humble backgrounds to the institutions.
The vocal lawmaker also urged graduates with technical skills to utilize them in starting their own enterprises noting that there’s still a shortage of jobs in the country.
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“Those who don’t succeed to get jobs on time, let them not lose hope, they still have the skill they can create jobs. I know people are struggling; parents have spent a lot in terms of fees, doing very odd jobs to educate their children,” he noted.
Owino at the same time told students and graduates that skills without technology will put them at disadvantage.
He averred that creativity, being innovative and being well versed with the relevant technology will give them a competitive edge in the job market noting that modern technology is hastily taking up most jobs.
“Soft skills go beyond technical skills and we must endeavor to be techno-preneurial individuals because there’s a wide application of technology in almost all areas. Therefore don’t miss on the relevant technology,” he said
Milestone Institute Founder and Director Prof George Maina challenged learners to be entrepreneurial noting that in the near future close to 70 percent held by people will be occupied by the technological advancements.
Noting that it won’t be a bed of roses after graduation, Prof Maina told the graduands that they should face challenges and have a positive attitude to overcome them in order to be successful.
“Don’t let the challenges deter you from achieving your goals and don’t give up on knocking on doors. Again create a network of individuals who can help you shape and grow your careers,” he said
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He noted that faculty and staff development will be upheld to enhance quality teaching, research, innovation and professional practice.
“We want our graduates to be resourceful and live in integrity so that they can be a problem solving lot so as to make meaningful contributions to the community and the country at large we are training job creators not job seekers,” he said.
He also called on youth across the country to go for the highly marketable world skills including fashion and design, electrical installation, welding, plumbing, hospitality, hairdressing and beauty and entrepreneurship among others to enable them meet the high demand of specialists in the country.
“As an institution we have embraced partnerships and collaborations with firms and institutions abroad and especially in Germany so that we can link up our students for industrial exposure and jobs,” Prof Maina said.
Milestone Institute Principal George Kariu challenged youths studying in technical colleges to be more aggressive in acquiring additional skills such as business management and computer studies so as to have a head-start in both the job market and in seeking self-employment.
“It’s imperative for youths to be equipped with hands-on skills that will go a long way in enabling them secure jobs or start their own ventures. White-collar jobs are drastically shrinking and are being taken up by technological advancements. To beat joblessness we must equip our youths with technical skills,” he said.
By Kamau Njoroge
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