Fresh graduates have been urged to have high integrity and good morals when they get into the workplace.
Speaking during the 37th graduation at the Animal Health and Industry Training Institute-Ndomba (AHITI) in Kirinyaga, the Director of Livestock Research and Regulations State Department of Livestock, Dr. Christopher Wanga, told graduates that livestock is an investment of the farmer and it must be treated properly and with respect.
The 284 graduates were warned that taking shortcuts, as they are expensive, could end the careers of some individuals and taint the entire profession.
Dr. Wanga further advised them to administer correct medication to animals and not only go after money but also advise on correct practices.
“My advice to you graduates is that livestock is an investment for the farmer. You must always do the right thing with full respect. Don’t invent any shortcut because it is expensive, career-threatening, and taints the whole profession,” Dr. Wanga said.
He revealed to graduates that animal health programmes are still marketable in the country, apart from self-employment, the majority of small-scale farmers and commercial ranches need to know the condition of their animals daily.
Dr. Wanga said with the subsidy of farm inputs in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformational Agenda by the government, many people would venture into farming, hence the need for clear minds ready to work and utilize skills learned to assist them with veterinary services.
“The programmes offered here are still marketable because farmers need to know about their animals daily. You can start as an individual; the demand for a veterinary service is expected to increase as the government is now subsidizing farm inputs,” he added.
He challenged them to advance their studies to the highest level to secure more opportunities. Students get a one-year internship from the government after graduation, which leads to certification by the Kenya Veterinary Board.
The director also said they were in the process of renewing the buildings and training facilities in the institution to modern standards.
AHITI-Ndomba Principal Mr. Edward Murage said the training offered in all programmes by the institution meets the Kenya Veterinary Board’s (KVB) minimum requirements.
He said they engaged external examiners from the University of Nairobi to ensure the credibility and competence of the professionals released to the job market.
Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda, who delivered Governor Ann Waiguru’s message, said AHITI is a great asset to the county.
He said the region being an agricultural zone means the demand for animal health professionals has increased, providing greater opportunities for the graduates.
He added that the county government would continue offering internships and attachments to AHITI students.
“This institution is a great asset to our county, as there are only three in the entire nation. We will continue offering internship opportunities to the students from here,” said Githanda.
AHITI prides itself on having three branches countrywide: Kabete, Nyahururu, and Ndomba, with the mission of providing quality training in animal health and production to the frontline technical personnel in the livestock sub-sector.
By Mutai Kipngetich
