In recognition of the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) will partner with Kisii County Government to ensure sustainability of TVET institutions in Kisii County.

Speaking at the official opening of the Kisii National Polytechnic Inaugural International Conference on 18th August 2021, the Chamber President Mr. Richard Ngatia Committed that the Kenya Chamber of Commerce will always participate in this annual event. He stated that together with other stakeholders, KNCCI will work on modalities to support linkages of TVET students to the industry once they complete their training.

Mr. Ngatia who was the key note speaker at the conference affirmed that it is important for both the government and private sector to support TVET institutions and to nature students in these institutions to be self reliance.

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future”, said Mr. Ngatia.

The Chamber boss praised the contribution of youth trained in TVET institutions to the success of the country’s SME sector which consists of highly skilled entrepreneurs.

He therefore challenged the Kisii National Polytechnic students that once they complete their training, they should not only seek for jobs, but instead seek to apply their knowledge to provide practical solutions to the greater social challenge in the country.

Currently, the Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Association to ensure that local supplies are procured from the heavily skilled informal sector.

The Cabinet secretary for Education professor George Magoha advice to TVET students is that they should never be selective when looking for jobs but instead venture in jobs that they are skilled in for good performance. The CS who was the chief guest at the the Kisii National Polytechnic Conference emphasized that every job is important as long as it enables one to server another humanity.

Professor Magoha conceded that TVET institutions are result oriented and contribute to a higher percentage of informal development in the country. He revealed that majority of students who pass highly in KCSE exams are now choosing deliberately to join TVET institutions because of the skills offered.

On his part, the Kisii County Deputy Commissioner Mr. Wilberforce Kilonzo praised the entire Kisii National Polytechnic fraternity and outlined that the polytechnic is an institution that believes in quality.

The conference was successfully conducted from 17th to 19th August 2021. Apart from the Chamber President, KNCCI was also represented by CEO Samuel Matonda, Director Technical and Vocational Training Mr.Pravin Eazhawa and Director Youth in Busines Mr. Muchiri Mungai.