Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has affirmed the government’s commitment to equip and construct new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to equip the youth with employable skills.
Speaking during the official launching of the Likoni Technical and Vocational Training (TVC) a Centre of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air conditioning, CS Ogamba said the TVC will produce skilled manpower that will be employed by over 58 industries that will set base at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
CS Ogamba expounded that the programmes that will be offered at the TVC will ensure that the industries get skilled and ready for the job youths in refrigeration, welding, plumbing, ICT, Construction and infrastructure engineering.
The CS promised infrastructure, equipment and trainers to the TVC to churn out quality graduates for the job market. Youths were urged to enrol in TVET institutions to get skills.
“It’s a critical TVC, as a government we will support it. It has the potential to expand. Currently, it has t 810 trainees with a target of over 3000 by the end of this year,” stated the CS.
To protect the 12 acres of land of the institution, the government has allocated Sh10 million for the construction of a perimeter wall. The government also will deliver 100 computers to boost learning in the institution.
On Friday, the government is expected to sign a deal with the African Export-Import Bank for the operationalization of the Dongo Kundu SEZ. The signing will be witnessed by the Head of State who is on a week-long development tour in the Coast region.
To ensure a steady supply of electricity to power industries, the government has also allocated Sh6.5 billion for the construction of a 50-kilometre transmission line of 220 KV from the Mariakani substation to Dongo Kundu SEZ.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko urged the government to establish a Huduma Centre in the populous constituency so citizens do not have over to the neighbouring Mvita constituency. She also called for the reintroduction of ferries at Mtongwe to decongest the Likoni Crossing Channel.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir promised to provide internship opportunities for Likoni TVC students in the County government departments.
“When they finish the internships, we will do job placements,” he said.
