Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has affirmed the government’s commitment to equipping and constructing new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to train and equip the youth with employable skills.
Speaking during the official launching of the Likoni Technical and Vocational Training (TVC) a Centre of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air conditioning, CS Ogamba said the TVC would produce skilled manpower that would be employed by over 58 industries that would set base at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
CS Ogamba expounded that the programmes to be offered at the TVC would ensure that the industries get skilled and ready for the job youths in refrigeration, welding, plumbing, ICT, construction and infrastructure engineering.
The CS promised infrastructure, equipment and trainers to the TVC to ensure the institution churns out quality graduates for the job market. Youths were urged to enroll in TVET institutions to get the desired skills.
“It’s a critical TVC and as government, we will support it. It has the potential to expand. Currently, it has 810 trainees with a target of over 3,000 by the end of this year,” stated the CS.
He said the government would deliver 100 computers to boost learning in the institution and that to protect the 12 acres of land of the institution, the government has allocated Sh10 million for the construction of a perimeter wall.
On Friday, the government is expected to sign a deal with the African Export-Import Bank for the operationalization of the Dongo Kundu SEZ. The signing will be witnessed by the Head of State who is on a week-long development tour in the Coast region.
To ensure a steady supply of electricity to power industries, the government has also allocated Sh6.5 billion for the construction of a 50-kilometre transmission line of 220 KV from the Mariakani substation to Dongo Kundu SEZ.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko urged the government to establish a Huduma Centre in the populous constituency so citizens do not have to cross over to the neighbouring Mvita constituency for services. She also called for the reintroduction of ferries at Mtongwe to decongest the Likoni Crossing Channel.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir promised to provide internship opportunities for Likoni TVC students in the County government departments. “When they finish the internships, we will do job placements,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
