By A, KNA
Jua kali artisans operating in Elgeyo Marakwet county have been urged to seek certification under the recognition of prior knowledge programme initiated by the government to ensure that they are formally recognized.
The director for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, North Rift region Michael Rugu said Kipsoen Technical Training Institute which is within the county has been identified as one of the institutions mandated to award the certificates.
Speaking in Iten town during a sensitization meeting, the director said the government is committed to ensuring that all Jua kali artisans, who have acquired skills informally are issued with the certificates by increasing the number of TVETs, which can award the certificates.
Rugu said the Jua kali sector plays a crucial role as driver of the economy and also in ensuring that the country becomes a medium industrialized, as envisioned in the vision 2030 and therefore the importance of their certification.
The principal Kipsoen TTI Joseph Bittok said the certification will enable the artisans to access government tenders and also acquire jobs in government projects, citing the Affordable Housing Programme.
He added that the certification, which is aimed at validating skills and ensuring standardization will open doors for job opportunities both locally and internationally.
Bittok expressed concern that there were many people with self-acquired skills working in the informal sector in the county, who are yet to get the certificates thus locking them out of government contracts.
He encouraged them to contact the institution to get certificates saying it doesn’t take long as officers visit them at their work place for assessment before being issued with a certificate.
The principal said the certificate can be used in case one wants to further their education.
“It’s important that we recognize the skills of the artisans as they not only offer self-employment, but also help in creating job opportunities,” he said.