Education stakeholders have encouraged men to take up cosmetology courses in light of the shrinking job market in many sectors in the country.
They argued that the beauty industry, which has for long been dominated by women, had shown a promising future and assurance for self-employment for young men to also embrace and make a living out of.
The call came during the fourth graduation ceremony of Embu Glamourland Technical and Vocational Training Institute, where key speakers underscored the need for a cultural and mindset change with regard to beauty courses.
Glamourland Board of Management (BoM) Chair Rev Manase Nguo, speaking on Friday during the graduation ceremony held at Embu Stadium, said the beauty industry was growing rapidly and the onus was on young men to grab the opportunity.
He said the majority of men who have undertaken these courses have been able to establish their own hair and beauty salons, adding that some have even ended up being employers.
โWe have seen young men engage in alcoholism and drug abuse as a result of frustrations emanating from lack of jobs, yet this industry can offer some of them opportunities to earn a living,โ he said.
The institution’s Manager Elizabeth Njeri, announced a discount offer of 20 per cent on fees for men enrolling for beauty courses at the institution.
She also encouraged parents preparing to take their children to higher institutions of learning to take them for short courses that can equip them with skills that they can depend on for daily upkeep.
โI would encourage a young man going to the university to, for instance, acquire a skill in barbering and nail polishing for girls,โ she said.
Mt Kenya University Lecturer Dr. Rahab Gathuci, who was the chief guest, attributed the low uptake by boys in beauty courses to deep-seated cultural biases that view such careers as feminine.
She underscored the necessity to dismantle these stereotypes, which are denying boys access to an industry that is expanding rapidly.
The County government, which was represented by TVET Chief Officer Ephantus Mugendi, announced that they had set aside Sh15 million this financial year to offer scholarships to 300 young people in technical courses.
He said after graduating, the County will also give them tools of trade to enable them to start their own businesses.
By Samuel Waititu
