Education CS Challenges Graduates Not to Wait for Jobs

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said that it is now time for graduands, especially from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to engineer their own jobs rather than waiting for formal employment.

The CS said the government has put in place key infrastructural plans, especially in the construction and technology sectors, to help youths leverage their expertise and talents to create employment for themselves.

The CS said these during the 20th Graduation Ceremony of Eldoret Polytechnic on Monday, December 1.

"We are accelerating the job creation in key sectors such as affordable housing, manufacturing, the digital economy, and the creative economy, and TVETs stand at the centre because they are the primary pipeline for trained manpower needed in infrastructure technology and beyond," Ogamba said.

"I wish to take this opportunity to challenge the graduating class of 2025 into the workplace and create opportunities. Do not simply wait for employment; be entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem solvers. Kenya needs your imagination, your initiative, and your drive," he added.

Ogamba has further urged all vocational training institutions in the country to continue reinforcing partnerships and updating their training equipment to equip students with the necessary knowledge to create their own jobs.

The government will continue expanding the capacity of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to provide scholarships and financial aid to ensure everyyouth gets an opportunity to access education at the higher level, especially in TVETs.

"Ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that capitation, scholarship, and support Via HELB must remain an essential pillar of equitable success. Through these mechanisms, we are ensuring that every Kenyan youth with talent and drive is locked out simply because of financial constraints," Migos said.

The announcement comes almost a year after the government introduced changes to the TVET programmes and curriculum to align and tend to the needs of the Kenyan youths and ensure that graduates don't overstay in the job market.

Speaking during the first graduation ceremony of Ollessos National Polytechnic, on January 31, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said that the government would introduce two- and three-week courses.

According to Kindiki, the previous curriculum was teaching concepts, formulas, and principles withoutconsidering the training that is much needed.

"We have revised the curriculum for TVETs to the Competency-Based Education and Training Curriculum for (CBET) TVETs to align it to the needs of the industry so that when you graduate, there are people who need your expertise," Kindiki said.

"Some of the opportunities we are getting for young people, especially under the labour mobility programme, are in areas in which we must develop quick courses, short courses, two or three weeks, and then you have a skill and a certificate that helps you get a job locally and abroad," he added.