Iten: The Ministry of Interior in partnership with the Kipsoen National Polytechnic has started a campaign to mobilise youth to enrol at the institution.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Keiyo North sub-county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Julius Maiyo stated that the department will be organizing various barazas from the sub-location level. These gatherings will involve career coaches and officers from the Ministry of Education to provide guidance to the youth.
In a statement from his office in Iten, Maiyo emphasized the importance of these sessions, encouraging both youth and parents to participate. The aim is to inform the youth about the diverse courses available and current market trends. Maiyo highlighted the urgency of the initiative by noting that they are specifically targeting youth who completed their national examinations in 2020, as there is a growing concern over idle youths in villages potentially engaging in negative activities such as drug abuse.
Kipsoen Polytechnic, according to Maiyo, offers 46 courses, including a mechatronics course, which is rare in the region. This variety ensures that students have ample options to select from, catering to a wide range of interests and career goals.
Maiyo also pointed out that the government is undertaking several programmes, such as the construction of affordable housing and a fresh produce market in the sub-county. These projects present opportunities for skilled youth to find employment and earn income. Additionally, he encouraged youth to form companies and benefit from the 30% tenders reserved for youth, women, and people with disabilities across government institutions.
To further support students, the government provides financial aid through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and bursaries via the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to assist with school fees.
Maiyo expressed concern over the prevalent misconception that employment is limited to office work. He asserted that technical training not only allows individuals to be self-employed but also enables them to create job opportunities for others. The skills acquired at Kipsoen Polytechnic are of high standards, qualifying graduates for employment both locally and internationally.