According to Shadrack Mwadime, PS State Department for Labour and Skills Development, an adequately skilled, productive, and adaptable workforce is a precondition to Kenya’s economic transformation and realization of the Vision 2030.
In an address during a graduation ceremony at Sotik Primary School in Bomet County, Mwadime emphasized that Kenya’s ambitious social, economic, and political goals are founded on human resource development. The event was sponsored by the National Industrial Training Authority and the Sotik NG-CDF in celebration of 52 graduates who successfully completed technical training.
He noted an increasing trend in the demand for domestic workers all over the world but stressed that this important socio-economic contribution by the sector should not be demeaned. He emphasized that such demand is within the spirit of constitutional advocacy of decent work bordering on gainful employment, protection of fundamental rights, adequate income, and social protection.
“The NITA-Sotik NG-CDF initiative is an integral part of our Vision 2030 strategy,” Mwadime said. “By equipping trainees with knowledge and skills, we shall have successfully empowered them to actively take part in the socio-economic development of Kenya.”
Mr. Mwadime hailed NITA’s decision to keep pace with changing industry demands by equipping young Kenyans with relevant technical expertise, challenging the graduating class to put their skills into practice with a view to creating an impact in the future. He challenged the graduates to be people of integrity, innovators, and patriots.
According to Sotik MP Francis Sigei, the training for all these graduates, from humble backgrounds, had been done at a cost of Sh2.8 million as a major investment in their future. Sigei urged financial institutions to support young entrepreneurs to start business ventures that would guarantee them incomes and spur economic growth.
NITA acting director-general Theresa Wasike congratulated the graduates and called for more equipping of the youth with skills relevant for Kenya’s changing industrial landscape. “This graduation is a reflection of our collective effort to educate and equip our youth, which remains core to driving productivity and fulfilling our mandate of offering a well-trained workforce,” said Wasike.