TVET courses key in empowering young people, Gachagua says

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says that students graduating from Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres will be at the forefront in the implementation of Government flagship projects.

Speaking on Friday when he presided over the 4th Graduation at Nyeri National Polytechnic, the Deputy President said the TVET programmes are key in empowering young people with requisite skills crucial in the success of the projects including the Affordable Housing Programme.

“Through the Affordable Housing programme, the skills and competencies that you have been certified with, will come in handy. We need architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, building technologists, artisans, electricians, plumbers, painters, carpenters. We depend on you to ensure the successful realization of this project,” the Deputy President told the graduates.

The DP said TVETs are playing a great role in shaping the lives of the youth as they acquire knowledge and skills important in earning a living.

“The Ruto Administration fully understands the transformative potential of TVETs up to the grassroots. That is why we are expanding them in our target of at least one TVET, in all the 1,450 Wards across the country. With an allocation of up to 28.3 Billion Kenya Shillings to TVETS, we are investing in improved facilities for quality learning- especially in practical skills,” added Mr Gachagua.

To ensure more Kenyans gain a range of technical skills, 16 new TVETS will be completed in the 2024/2025 Financial Year to add to the 272 already admitting students, he said.

“This has been followed by recruitment of over 2,000 tutors as we target to reach 4,000,” the Deputy President assured.

With the launching of the Recognition of Prior Learning Framework, the DP said more Kenyans who have perfected skills on their own will be formally recognised allowing them to earn more.

“In the ongoing Radical Reforms in the Education Sector, we have considered prior learning. It is an inclusive way of bringing on board experts who lack the paper to validate their knowledge and skills,” he observed.

At the graduation, over 4, 800 learners were awarded diplomas and certificates in various disciplines.

Mr Gachagua challenged them to work hard and fully utilize the skills they gained.

“Work hard and be men and women of integrity. There are great opportunities for you in the country; in the construction industry, agricultural, and transport sectors. You must be hardworking, a go-getter and aggressive,” he said.

The DP also advised the students not to fear looking for job opportunities abroad saying they were working hard to enter into agreements with many countries to enable Kenyans to benefit.

The DP said the fight against illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse will not stop until the menace is fully dealt with.

“I thank our President for his leadership and stance that we cannot sell poison to our children. We will work round the clock to make sure we protect the younger generation from this menace,” the DP said.

After the graduation, the Deputy President distributed foodstuff to the members of the Muslim Community at Ruring’u estate in Nyeri Town.

He said the Ruto Administration respects the Freedom of Worship adding they will continue working with members of all faiths in building the nation.