The government is seeking to put up a Sh 2 billion Technical and Vocational centre at Kilimambogo area, Thika East Sub County in an effort to boost skills development in the area.

The institute that will be constructed on a 100-acre piece of land that pineapple processor Del Monte ceded to the national government some years ago, will come as a big relief to parents who have seen their children struggle to join colleges once they complete school.

Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a said the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has taken interest in investing in the construction of the college.

Speaking while handing over Sh40 million worth of bursary cheques to beneficiaries in Gatuanyaga and Ngoliba Wards, the MP said once they get the title deed of the parcel of land, NSSF will start the construction exercise.

‘Because the financier is ready, I ask the area Deputy Commissioner to liaise with Del Monte management so that they can have the land transferred to the national government. They committed to cede the land in 2013, and we urge them to fast-track the process so that we can start developing the area,’ she said.

She said other amenities including libraries, schools, markets and hospitals among others will also be constructed in the area.

She noted that with such an institution, the youth will be able to acquire key artisan skills that will immediately propel them into employment in the fields of plumbing, electrical and electronic world among others.

The new development comes as a huge boost to the area which has been sidelined for years, and will also open up the area to development.

Locals led by Rachael Wanjiku and Agnes Mutisya welcomed the move saying it would address unemployment challenges as well as empower the youth to get market oriented skills.

‘We don’t have a TVET institution here and once our children complete school, it has been difficult for them to get employment. At least now, they will have the necessary skills to get into self-employment,’ said Wanjiku.

Source: Kenya News Agency