The National Construction Authority (NCA) has inaugurated 4,000 contractors in Kitui County upon undergoing a training program under its funding in conjunction with the Kitui county government.
The initiative is aimed at equipping the local contractors with the requisite skills to enable them to render quality services to the people.
Speaking today during the graduation ceremony of the said contractors held in Kitui town, the county Governor, Dr. Julius Malombe noted that the main objective of training the local contractors drawn from across the eight sub-counties, was to empower them to effectively undertake government contracts and ultimately bolster their income.
The governor highlighted that the training will cover both the existing and emerging contractors in the construction industry.
“The training was strategically designed to impart technical, business and soft skills essential for success in the county’s construction sector. One of the key focuses of the training is to familiarize the participants with government tendering processes,” he said.
The four-day comprehensive training program exposed the contractors to a spectrum of crucial aspects, including stakeholder engagement, documentation, and record-keeping, which they require in management of their companies.
“The intensive training has provided a competitive edge to our contractors so that they can engage in a formal manner with government institutions, the private sector, and financial lending partners, whom they seek financial support from, for their contracted works and services,” said Malombe.
He further observed that the training has equipped the contractors with knowledge and expertise needed to contribute significantly to government’s development agenda.
“We appreciate the pivotal role played by skilled contractors in the development and progress of our local communities, from public infrastructure projects to private construction works they undertake, which qualifies them to be the backbone of our county’s growth,” added Dr. Malombe.
The governor urged the contractors to embrace the virtue of integrity and timely completion of the county projects without compromising the quality of works, integrity and financial probity, which are key ingredients in efficient service delivery, adding that, ‘We must therefore shun corruption and vested interests, while delivering services to our people’.
The 4,000 contractors drawn from all 40 wards across the county, with 100 contractors from each ward, represented two categories that of newly registered contractors and those already registered.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Morris Aketch, who is also the director of the National Construction Authority, lauded Kitui County Government’s move to train, grow and empower local contractors financially in quest for improved livelihoods.
By arming contractors with essential skills and knowledge, the program not only supports individual economic growth, but also contributes to the overall development of the construction industry in Kitui.
This initiative is poised to create a pool of skilled professionals ready to undertake government contracts, fostering sustainable development and prosperity.
By Denson Mututo
