Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has warned graduates against preference for white collar jobs.
Speaking during the 9th graduation ceremony at Kisumu National Polytechnic on Wednesday, the CS urged the graduates to be job creators instead.
Accompanied by the Principal Secretary, State Department of Vocational and Technical Training Dr Magret Mwakima and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Magoha cited the need for graduates to compete for other employment opportunities away from the office jobs.
“Nowadays, it is difficult to get a plumber. I have to source for a plumber 40 kilometres away from my home when I have a drainage problem,” said Magoha.
Expanding TVET institutions
According to Magoha, a majority of graduates await employment instead of using the available opportunities to execute their skills.
“I do hope you have acquired the necessary skills to enable you work. If you have been trained to look for a job then I pity you,” said Magoha.
He added: “You have to market and brand yourself. You will only be jobless if you want be jobless.”
Dr Mwakima cited government’s effort to deepen access to TVET training by increasing the number of institutions for the youths to acquire information and skills relevant to the labour market.
“The number of TVET institutions have increased from 52 in 2013 to 238 in 2021 at a cost of of Sh10.6 billion. Out of the 238 institutions, 196 are operational while 46 are nearing completion,” said Mwakima.
At least 4,021 graduates from Kisumu National Polytechnic were awarded various certificates from higher diploma, diploma, craft and artisan courses during the ceremony.