Changamwe: Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi has launched a Sh6.5 million Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme to equip youths with employable and self-reliant technical skills. Mwinyi affirmed that TVET is the pathway that will enable the youth to harness opportunities at the ports and along the coastlines.
According to Kenya News Agency, the legislator noted that embracing TVET is key to driving local economic development in the constituency, as having more skilled professionals in technical fields plays a crucial role in building industries, businesses, and work opportunities. He further said that the government has made strides in education through the 100 per cent transition policy, but societal perceptions and economic hardships hinder TVET from demonstrating its full potential.
The MP acknowledged government investments in TVET through funding, infrastructure, and policy reforms. Consequently, to bolster vocational education, the government allocated Sh30.7 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year to ensure TVET institutions are well-equipped to provide quality training. The MP further advocated for a mindset shift, as TVET is not a lesser option but a critical driver of job creation, knowledge growth, economic improvement, and industrialisation, and will help youths build thriving careers.
Through the local National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), 61 students will enrol in the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) programme at the Bandari Maritime Academy. 'This training aims to prepare them for job opportunities in vessels and other places for them to be employed,' stated the MP.
The NG-CDF has also sponsored 230 students at Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute (TTI) to study different courses before they join the STCW course. Mwinyi asserted that the Blue Economy sector will have many job opportunities in the future, urging the students to start and complete their courses to benefit.
'When they complete, they will enjoy the benefits. We have also encouraged parents to change their mindsets about their children; instead of waiting for employment, they should also create self-jobs and also open opportunities to employ others,' he said during the launch of the programme at Ahmed Shahame Mwidani TTI. He further emphasized that self-employment generates a lot of income in the country. Parents were urged to monitor their children's behaviour so that they remain of good moral character.
Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute Principal Hafswa Seif praised the initiative for unlocking youth's potential, while the Sub-County Director of Education Fatma Omara encouraged students to be disciplined and seize the training opportunities. Christine Kirimi thanked the MP for the life-changing learning opportunity that will enable her to fulfil her career aspirations of working on cruise vessels.