By D, KNA
Kajiado County Directorate of Vocational Training today launched the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan which is set to provide a roadmap for vocational centres in the county.
The plan was launched in partnership with the International Labour Organization(ILO) aligns with the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDP).
Kajiado County Governor, Joseph ole Lenku, affirmed that the strategic plan reflects an important paradigm shift which places quality and relevance of Vocational Centres as its priority.
While appreciating ILO for supporting the county in developing the plan, the governor said that the plan will help the county in tapping into best global practices as it strives to build a labour force that will be able to take the county and the country forward in addition to helping beneficiaries acquire skills to compete with the rest of the world.
Governor Lenku also revealed that he is in talks with the Directors of vocational centres to come up with programs that will cover the county’s broad transformation agenda including modulated pastoralism and livable towns.
“While we are focusing at the technical and vocational training, we also want to incorporate the current trends, the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence and robotics in addition to other areas of innovation as the world is dynamic and is continuously changing,” said Lenku.
International Labour Organization official, Isaac Kiema, underscored that the plan provides a footprint that will ensure that the vocational centres produce employable youth who will not only seek employment but can also create jobs for themselves and others.
The strategic plan identifies five key priorities namely: Skill Development and Training, Institutional Capacity Development, Financial Sustainability, Community Engagement and Research and Innovation.
“The plan seeks that each young person in the county has access to relevant, quality and inclusive training opportunities that should be taken for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Kiema.
He emphasized that the expansion of the training alone is not enough but what matters is the relevance of the training to labour market needs.
“We have an industry that needs skills that are relevant to their demands. This plan therefore emphasizes entrepreneurship, digital literacy, gender equality and work based learning. Elements that are indispensable for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added.
Kiema stated that ILO will provide technical and financial support in the development and implementation of the plan and urged all stakeholders to rally behind the strategy to make it a reality.
The County Executive Committee Member for Education, Vocational Training, Youth and Sports, Janet Sereu, said that the plan will guide the growth of Vocational Centres in Kajiado.
Sereu appreciated ILO’s support in developing the strategy adding that their expertise has helped the county in shaping a plan that is realistic, inclusive and aligns with the local and global market needs.
She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to work closely with partners, stakeholders and communities to ensure that vocational training remains a strong pillar for youth empowerment in Kajiado county.
Kajiado county currently has six vocational training centres located across the county.
Courses offered within the centres are hairdressing and beauty therapy, welding and fabrication, light motor vehicle mechanics, plumbing, masonry, electrical installation, leather work, Information and communication technology, tailoring and dressmaking, carpentry and food and beverage production.
