Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates have been challenged to use their skills in creating job opportunities instead of becoming job seekers after completing studies.
Speaking before conferring the certificates to the graduating students, ICT and Innovation Secretary of Administration Mrs Lucy Kaguthi who represented Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT & Innovation, Jerome Ochieng’ underscored the key role the TVET plays in driving forward Kenya’s industrialization agenda while pointing out that the country has an acute shortage of people with technical skills.
“The government has institutionalized VTCs to catalyze the development of relevant and adequate skills necessary to spur industrial and economic development,” she said.
She laid stress on the revamped education system in the country designed to provide learners with capabilities to become economically productive, develop sustainable livelihoods, contribute to peaceful democratic society and enhance individual wellbeing.
“I believe today’s graduation for the vocational graduands, you have acquired lifeskills that will make you contribute to the national development and the development of this county,” said Kaguthi.
The senior state official, further, congratulated the graduates for achieving the milestone noting that education has a role in combating poverty and inequality in society.
Kisumu County Deputy Governor Mathew Owili was present during the inaugural joint graduation ceremony that brought together all the graduands from the 26 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the county.
Dr. Owili represented Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o at the historic event that celebrated the graduation of more than 2,259 students who have undergone various technical and vocational training.
In his speech, Dr. Owili emphasized that technical and vocational training equips young people to become either self-employed or get jobs in key areas in the industry.
“To the graduands, I wish to congratulate you for concentrating on your studies. Now you are out in the field to look for Jobs. You can also become entrepreneurs and create your own jobs.
I want to assure you that with the skills you have acquired, getting jobs may not be such a tall order, just like creating your own jobs should not be a tall order,” said the Deputy Governor.
The joint convocation ceremony was held at Kisumu’s Rotary Vocational Training Centre on Friday.
By Robert Ojwang’
