The government has partnered with Canada in educating youth in the country in blue economy courses under the program Kenya Education for Employment (KEFEP).
Kenya Education for Employment (KEFEP) is a program funded by the government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. The project is focused on strengthening and supporting technical and vocational education and training in Kenya.
The Canada government is expected to invest Sh. 2 billion into the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training programme at the Coast National Polytechnic in Mombasa.
Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Alfred Mutua said the programme is expected to support economic diversification in the country adding that it is a bilateral project funded by the two countries.
Mutua said that the students studying in the country will also be given a chance to apply for jobs abroad after completion of their studies.
“I am planning to visit our good friends and discuss how we can further this cause. We expect our youth to apply for jobs once we are offered with opportunities. This is the importance of having international friends as a country,” he said.
The CS noted that the Canada government had initially pumped Sh. 1.8 billion in November last year when the project was launched.
“I will do my best and lure them to get more money so that our children can benefit in achieving their dreams,” he added.
He said the project is important as it is expected to support local institutions in delivering skills training programmes that meet international standards and address the needs of the blue economy.
He said the government has put emphasis on empowering TVET institutions by strengthening them across the country.
He noted that all the students training under the programme will be assisted by the government to secure jobs in Canada and also in other countries abroad.
Canadian Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Warren Mucci said that they believe in empowering young people in ensuring countries succeed together thus the need to invest heavily in the programme.
Mucci lauded the partnership Kenya has with Canada saying more investments will come out of the good working relationship the two countries have achieved so far.
He said the Government of Canada will support Kenya to boost the blue economy sector as quality employees are needed to serve in both countries.
“If we have to go far, we need to support each other and succeed together as countries, we both need quality manpower to build this sector,” he said.
By Chari Suche
