WorldSkills Kenya National Competition winners have been awarded and will now represent Kenya at the WorldSkills International Competitions that will be held in Lyon, France from 10th to 15th September 2024.
The winners were selected from one hundred and fifty competitors after a 4-day inaugural innovation competition held at the Kenya School of TVET, Boma International Hospitality College, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Technical University of Kenya.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu lauded the winners and promised them the necessary support as required.
He noted that the competition presented a platform for the trainees to showcase themselves in various skills.
Machogu, who awarded winners during the closing ceremony at the Kenya School of TVET, said that the skills displayed during the competition will soon drive the economy and encouraged the youth to equip themselves with competitive skills to market themselves within and beyond.
“WorldSkills Competition is not just a contest but a testament that education, hard work and innovation is important in nurturing and promoting vocational skills in our society. It emphasizes the power of vocational education and training in shaping the future of the nation,” the CS said.
He noted that the government is keen on ensuring that youth acquire relevant skills by creating an enabling environment that is innovative, supports start-ups and embraces technology.
TVET Authority Chairperson Florence Ngesa promised to support government initiatives and urged residents to discard the notion that TVETs are for those who did not perform in KCSE.
TVET Authority Director General Dr. Kipkirui Langat called for more partnerships to make the WorldSkills Competition Kenya chapter a success.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) National Director Mr. Kennedy Onditi acknowledged the importance of skills development to foster economic growth and personal development among youth in the country.
The Director noted that the private sector is ready to provide space for training in addition to offering mentorship, coaching and opportunity to competitors to market their skills.
He noted that KNCCI will also organize the competition across its 47 chapters in partnership with TVETA.
KNCCI CEO Patrick Nyangweso noted that WorldSkills will inspire the youth to embrace innovation and address unemployment which is a major issue in the country.
Morendat Institute of Oil & Gas Head Gilbert Sumbaei noted that the country has a shortage of welders and urged more youth to enroll for the same.
By Obegi Malack
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