Kiharu National Government Constituencies Development Fund has rolled out a key project to equip the youth with marketable skills through short courses, announced area MP Ndindi Nyoro during the issuance of 33 cheques totalling Sh9.8 million for various projects. The courses will be managed by the Kiharu Technical and Vocational College, which has satellite campuses in Murang’a and Kahuro towns for easy reach across the vast constituency.
The new initiative by Nyoro is aimed at empowering the youth who are willing to acquire practical skills in areas of high potential in relation to employment. Some of the key courses to be included here relate to driving and hospitality of which hundreds of youth stand to benefit. Its timing is critical, with many families struggling to make ends meet or afford such training due to financial constraints.
MP Ndindi Nyoro announced the procurement of three vehicles for driving instruction as he issued bursaries at Kiharu Technical and Vocational College on July 8, which the institution will manage. The driving school targets to train 500 youths, while hospitality courses will host an additional 800 students,” Nyoro explained. “Driving skills will be offered to students at this college.”
In addition to driving skills, hospitality courses will also be offered, and will be complemented by new equipment aimed at improving the quality of training, which the CDF will finance.
The somewhat pomp and colour that the initiative received within the community means alot especially from youths and parents alike. Youth Jamleck Kuria of Murang’a town said he was eager to enroll for the courses. He mentioned that after completing his secondary education last year, Kuria noted that most families were not able to afford to pay for such training. “Acquiring such imperative skills has been a dream to many due to the tough economic times.”.
A parent, Julia Wambui lauded the MP’s efforts, saying that leadership was very instrumental in the development of the youth. “Youth need a lot of support from leaders in ensuring that they acquire the right skills to face the future with confidence,” said Wambui, a mother of two teenagers.
The initiative is great and a good step towards fighting unemployment and skill deficiency among the youths. The centre offers accessible and pragmatic training with an aim of empowering the youth with tools to compete effectively in the modern labor market.
The focus on driving and hospitality therefore, remains very strategic, considering that these competencies are in high demand at both the local and national job markets. This strategy for integrating these courses into Kiharu Technical and Vocational College’s offerings thus ensures that the training will be based on a rigorous educational framework, further anchoring it.