Leaders in Kirinyaga County, together with Education stakeholders, have called on the youths to enrol in short technical courses to increase their chances of being employed or engaging in self-employment.
They said the technical and vocational training institutions have been revamped with modern equipment offering quality training within the shortest time at a lower cost, which can be boosted by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Bursary Kitty or County funds.
Speaking during the disbursement of bursary worth Sh55 million to beneficiaries, Gichugu Member of Parliament (MP) Githinji Gichimu said that beginning this financial year, they are planning a programme to boost those who did not manage the grades required to enrol in universities or other institutions that require specific qualifications by giving the funds to study short courses.
The MP noted that it is his intention to upgrade everybody to the job market and get employment, which will in turn improve individual living standards and society.
“I have confidence that the programme will progress well so that those with lower grades can do courses like carpentry, welding, hairdressing, and others. The narrative that bursaries belong to those in universities and secondary schools is wrong; so long as you are willing to do a course, you qualify for the funds,” he said.
The national government programmes currently require individuals with skills that are within the value chain of building and construction, especially in Affordable Housing Construction.
Kianyaga Boys Principal, James Mbothu, requested the NG-CDF board to consider students who joined high school through community efforts but were later abandoned to school to take care of. He noted that the number is increasing, putting the institution in financial distress.
In a separate similar event, Kirinyaga County Assembly Deputy Speaker Jinaro Njamumo reiterated the importance of technical courses, as once students get the skills, they do not have to rely on getting white-collar jobs. He added that little capital is required to start a business in the technical field.
Njamumo, who is a member of the county assembly representing Mutithi ward, said they will lobby for more allocations towards the renovation of technical institutions under the county government.
“The polytechnics offer skilled-based courses; once a student graduates, there is no need to wait until they get a job in an office. You only need a little capital to start your own venture.
The TVET institutions across the county have also embarked on a Recognition of Prior Learning programme, in which Jua Kali workers will be assessed and certified for competitive advantage.