In a move to bridge the gap between informal skill acquisition and professional certification, the Kiambu County Department of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Communication hosted a significant Accreditation and Certification Workshop at the Kiambu Community Hall.
The event held on Wednesday marked a turning point for over 600 young apprentices, transforming them into recognised professionals.
For many youths in the construction industry, skills are passed down through membership and site work experience rather than formal classrooms. While their talent may be undeniable, their lack of certification often limits their earning potential and access to large-scale government contracts.
The initiative was organised under the oversight of the Kiambu County Youth Affairs CECM Mr. Osman Ali and a multi-agency collaboration with the National Construction Authority (NCA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the Real Building Workers Association of Kenya (REBWAK) and the Kabete National Polytechnic to ensure that the certification the apprentices received after training carried weight at a national level.
During the workshop, the apprentices received training on occupational safety i.e. reducing onsite injuries and fatalities; construction regulations understanding the legal frameworks of building in Kenya; safe work practices; hazard identification proactive measures to handle common industry risks, among other topics.
The training engaged the apprentices who were accredited in various trades, including masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, painting and other construction-related skills.
Speaking during the event, the CECM Youth Affairs Mr. Ali Osman explained that the workshop wasn’t just about handing out certificates but a rigorous training session focused on elevating the industry’s quality.
“By formalising these skills, we are not just giving these young people certificates; we are also helping them forge career paths and giving them a seat at the table in Kenya’s growing infrastructure landscape.
“Kiambu County is currently undergoing a massive infrastructural transformation. From the rapid rise of residential high-rises in Ruiru and Kikuyu to the expansion of industrial hubs in Thika, the demand for skilled labour has never been higher.
However, a significant certification gap has persisted because our youth possess the know-how but they lack the show-how, i.e., certification that proves their competence to international contractors and government agencies.
Our goal today was to move them from being casual labourers to certified technicians.” He stated.
As the workshop concluded, Mr. Osman reiterated the county government’s commitment to the continuous mentorship of the youth in the county.
He noted that by accrediting and formalising their skills, the youth were effectively given a head start to formal employment, allowing them to bid for tenders under the Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme, a direct investment in Kenya’s infrastructure future.
By Hellen Lunalo
