Empowering Kenyan Youth Through Innovation and Technical Skills
Written by Niva Kimtai and Samuel Irungu
Nakuru County recently hosted the 6th Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) National Fairs Competition at Nyayo Gardens. The event was meant to fortify technical skills, foster innovation, and bridge the gap between education and industry demands. It also served as a platform for 98 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions from 8 regions across Kenya to showcase their innovations and prowess in various fields.
The two-day fair, on June 9 and June 10, had “TVET for Sustainable Development: Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Economic Resilience,” as the theme. Professional industrial judges evaluated the projects and innovations presented, highlighting the contributions of the fair in shaping the skills of the youth and aligning them with industry needs.
Nakuru County Chief Officer for Education, Rosemary Kimani recognized Njoro Vocational Training Center for their participation, they not only represent the county but also compete with National Polytechnics, a great achievement indeed. Kimani added that what the county is doing in VTCs, replicates what is being done in National TVETs institutions. She, therefore, called for collaboration to continue empowering Kenyan youth through such activities.
Dr. Esther Mworia, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of TVET Education, graced the closing ceremony of the event. She commended the participating teams and institutions for their dedication and emphasized the pivotal role these fairs play in enhancing industrialization and fostering economic resilience. Dr. Mworia underscored the importance of ensuring TVET produces graduates who are internationally recognized, thus opening doors to global employment opportunities.
Acknowledging the efforts of the President particularly in signing bilateral labour agreements, Dr. Mworia emphasized the government’s commitment to skill the youth across Kenya, thereby, creating job opportunities for skilled youth and bolstering the nation’s economy.
The competition saw Ndia Vocational and Training Institute emerging as the overall winner in Robotics Innovation, followed by Meru National Polytechnic and Kasarani Technical and Vocational College. Esther Musyoka from Nyeri National Polytechnic clinched victory in both the Beauty Therapy and Paper Presentation categories, showcasing the diverse talents nurtured within TVET institutions.
Furthermore, the fair provided a golden opportunity for Nakuru County’s Vocational Training centres to gain exposure and networking opportunities. By showcasing their programs and innovations to a broader audience, including potential students and industry stakeholders, these institutions can forge partnerships and collaborations that enhance educational and employment prospects for their students.
The competition facilitated benchmarking opportunities, allowing trainers from Nakuru County and the whole country to compare their methods and curricula against other institutions nationwide. By adopting best practices and upgrading their facilities, local Vocational Training centres can ensure they remain at the forefront of technical education and training.
Expanding on the significance of the 6th KATTI National Fairs Competition, it’s important to highlight the broader implications of such events on the socio-economic landscape of Kenya. These fairs serve not only as a platform for showcasing technical skills but also as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
One notable aspect is the emphasis on fostering innovation. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, innovation is key to staying competitive both locally and globally. By encouraging students in TVET institutions to explore innovative solutions to real-world problems, these fairs contribute to a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship.
The collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders is paramount. Through these fairs, students have the opportunity to interact with professionals from various industries, gaining insights into industry trends and requirements. This interaction not only enriches their learning experience but also helps them tailor their skills to meet the demands of the job market.
The recognition and awards received by the winning teams serve as a validation of their hard work and dedication. This recognition can boost their confidence and motivation, inspiring them to further excel in their chosen field.
On a national level, events like the KATTI National Fairs Competition highlight the importance of technical education in driving Kenya’s development agenda. As the country seeks to achieve its Vision 2030 goals, investing in technical skills development is crucial for building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and industrialization.
Additionally, the international exposure gained by participating in such competitions enhances Kenya’s reputation as a hub for technical expertise and innovation. This can attract foreign investment and partnerships, further stimulating economic growth and creating job opportunities for the youth.
In essence, the 6th KATTI National Fairs Competition is not just a showcase of technical skills, but a testament to Kenya’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development through technical education.
The national competition is slated to be held at the Kabete National Polytechnic, with the winning team advancing to represent Kenya in an international competition in Zambia.