Embu: The Government has unveiled plans to collaborate with institutions of higher learning to better prepare students for the demands of the ever-evolving job market. Principal Secretary for MSME Development, Susan Mang'eni, emphasized the urgency of this initiative amidst the rising unemployment rates among the youth in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, PS Mang'eni highlighted the necessity of shifting the focus from traditional employment models to fostering job creation. With the median age in the county being 17 years, she stressed the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed for self-employment and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset.
Speaking at the 2nd edition of the MSMEs Connect Forum and Exhibition at the University of Embu Grounds, Mang'eni stated the government's aim to transform students' career training into entrepreneurial ventures. 'We want our students not just to wait to be employed but to be able to leverage on acquired skills and knowledge to create businesses and also understand practical aspects of starting and running them,' she remarked.
The initiative involves engaging with the leadership of universities, TVETs, and VTCs to prepare students not only for existing jobs but also for creating their own opportunities through entrepreneurship. 'As a Ministry, we also want to see how we can also be able to link them up with the interventions we have put in place, such as Uwezo Fund and the newly initiated Wezesha Kazi Majuu for youths securing jobs abroad,' Mang'eni added.
Furthermore, Mang'eni encouraged students to utilize their free time effectively in activities such as online work, which provides income-generating opportunities and helps in utilizing their time constructively. She stated that organizations like Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) are ready to support young people with innovative ideas, especially those focused on value addition or those capable of initiating manufacturing ventures in groups.
The MSMEs Connect Forum, organized by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) under the theme 'Driving Inclusive Growth Through MSME Empowerment,' showcased exhibitions by local entrepreneurs, business clinics, and panel discussions covering finance, regulations, innovations, and partnerships. Many local entrepreneurs credited their success to the government's support through MSEA, which has not only provided training but also facilitated market linkages and product certification by KEBS.