Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Simon Chelugui said that the blind, deaf and physically impaired people can be productive and integrated in society to stand on their own.
Addressing the press at Machakos technical Institute for the blind, while on a special mission to access the exams conducted by NITA in Mumbuni and Mutisya Technical Institute in Machakos town.
The CS said that re-skilling and Trade test is a mandate being undertaken by NITA. The Institute offers technical courses such as Plumbing, Masonry, Hospitality, beauty and therapy trade tests. There are also courses on social issues like Human resource and Computer Studies.
The CS said that the government’s objective of conducting the test comes after realizing some youths did not make it in primary and secondary schools and may require basic skills to better their lives. He said the blind and deaf will benefit more from these courses which will help them better their lives.
Chelugui said he was happy the president appointed a judge who is visually impaired and who has also helped in preparing the children’s bill, which shows that anyone who is impaired can make it in life.
“Yesterday the President appointed Dr. Justice Imaana Laiputa who is visually impaired, a judge of the High Court. Laiputa worked and assisted us as a ministry in drafting and preparing the Children’s Bill which is now before parliament. Throughout the process of preparing that bill you could never tell he is visually impaired,” said the CS.
“Impaired people can actually be mainstreamed and integrated to become part and parcel of our community,” added Chelugui.
He went on to add that in Machakos County over 18 institutions are offering the trade test between April and June which was well accepted in the County.
“We have over 18 institutions in Machakos offering this trade test and we have visited three technical institutions today. The enrollment of students is 1107 in Machakos County, out of a total national candidature of 38,400 across the country,” noted the CS.
The Labour boss added that the trade test is being offered across the 47 counties except Samburu County which is still going through the Covid 19 impact.
The CS also appealed to the County Commissioner and County Government to work with the Ministry of Labour, Machakos Institute for the blind, NITA and other institutions to support the youths who have not been able to join high school and Universities.
Chelugui insisted that even though others have dropped out of high school or primary school, life does not end there. They can still have a livelihood even after all that because the technical institutions are there to change their lives and give them hope.
On Wednesday, the Cabinet Secretary attended the Home care graduation ceremony at NITA College in Athi River. He urged the students and teachers to remember they are not alone in the world, that they will be competing with other countries so they must sharpen their tools and re- skill so as to be more marketable.
Accompanying him at the Machakos Institute for the deaf was his CAS Jackson Kalla, County Commissioner John Ondego and Director General of NITA Stephen Ogega.
By Ann Kangero
