CS Ogamba Urges Youth to Explore Foreign Job Opportunities

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Nairobi, Kenya| Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, has encouraged Kenya’s skilled youth to consider foreign job markets as a viable solution to the country’s unemployment crisis.

Speaking during an education forum, Ogamba emphasized that Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system plays a crucial role in empowering young people with market-ready skills that can be applied both locally and abroad.

Ogamba reiterated the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to strengthening TVET institutions, noting that they are instrumental in equipping youth with technical skills and the right mindset to secure employment or venture into self-employment.

“The government recognizes the importance of Technical and Vocational Training Colleges (TVETs) in providing our youth with the necessary skills to compete in the job market. We must also look beyond our borders for opportunities where these skills can be utilized,” stated Ogamba.

Competency-Based Training for Global Job Market

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the Ministry’s implementation of a Competency-Based TVET Curriculum, which adopts a dual training policy.

This system allows trainees to spend 50% of their time in college and the other 50% in industry, ensuring they acquire the practical skills required for their respective fields.

The hands-on training model, he noted, makes Kenyan graduates highly competitive in both local and international labor markets.

“The industry requires a skilled workforce, and through apprenticeships, our graduates gain practical experience that makes them fit for employment globally,” Ogamba explained.

He further pointed out that the Affordable Housing projects and industrial parks being developed across the country provide excellent opportunities for TVET students to gain hands-on experience.

These projects serve as training hubs where learners can refine their skills in real-life work environments before seeking employment locally or abroad.

Expanding TVET Enrollment and Recognizing Informal Sector Skills

To ensure more young Kenyans benefit from vocational training, the government has expanded TVET enrollment, aiming to enroll one million students this year.

Ogamba stressed that the new curriculum allows learners to progress at their own pace while acquiring recognized training milestones.

Additionally, the Ministry is working on formalizing and certifying skills acquired through the informal sector, a move expected to benefit 3.8 million youth who have gained expertise through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

This initiative will enable informal sector workers to receive official certification, increasing their employability both locally and internationally.

Bridging the Skills Gap and Opening Global Avenues

CS Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that Kenyan youth are not only equipped with relevant skills but also have access to global job markets.

By strengthening TVET programs, creating partnerships with industries, and certifying skills acquired through informal means, the Ministry of Education is actively addressing unemployment and positioning Kenya’s workforce as a key player in the global labor market.

With these initiatives, the government hopes to reduce joblessness, boost economic growth, and enhance Kenya’s reputation as a hub for skilled labor across various industries worldwide.

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