Nairobi: 14th October, 2024
In 2015 Kahawa Garrison Vocational center which is located inside Kahawa Garrison Barracks had only 2 students and 1 classroom, The Military agreed to refurbish and equip the center to make it more habitable and make it a conducive learning environment for students, The Center now has two classes one hosting computer classes and the other Fashion design classes with 15 students currently studying at the Center.
County Executive for Talent, Skills Development and Care Brian Mulama in the Company the Chief Officer for ECDE and Vocational Training Ahmed Abdi visited the facility with the aim of expanding and upgrading it to a modern facility, this comes after the military donated 3acres of land for expansion of the center.
Said the County Executive “H.E Governor Sakaja is very keen on promotion of vocational training institutions in the County and this initiative marks a milestone in promoting skills development and empowering the youth in the region. The planned vocational training center will offer courses aimed at equipping young people with practical skills that meet the demands of the current job market, particularly in technical fields such as construction, mechanics, electrical work, and information technology.”
Mr. Mulama said the collaboration between the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and the Nairobi County government acknowledges a shared commitment to youth empowerment, employment creation, and poverty reduction. “The County has allocated a budget of 15million to kick start the construction and we are set to hit the ground breaking work early next year. There is need for more resources allocated for this project in order for us to get a fully-fledged training institute and we intend to continue pushing for more funding even from our partners in the education community” said Mulama.
Chief Officer Ahmed Abdi reiterated the need for more training centers in order to accommodate the growing demand for technical training for young students. “We have in most of our centers embraced dual learning and we have plans to also absorb our students in the county once they complete their studies. Such centers play a crucial role in addressing the skills gap in the workforce, as they focus on providing hands-on training and fostering entrepreneurship. By enhancing access to vocational education, Nairobi City County aims to improve livelihoods and reduce unemployment, particularly among the younger population.” He said.
Brigadier Mathew Lenamunai from KDF said “We will continue giving the necessary support to the County once the construction kicks off.” He advised the County to ensure the contractors have a clean track record and are well vetted to avoid unnecessary delays during construction. “Students who are trained in the institution have an advantage as they don’t struggle looking for attachment and most are absorbed in the Military.” Said Brigadier Lenamunai.
The County Executive said “The donated land from Kahawa Barracks serves as a strategic location for this purpose, fostering a relationship between military and civilian institutions for the betterment of the community.” He added that this partnership is part of a broader agenda by the National and the County governments to invest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), recognizing that these skills are essential for economic growth and development.
135 students have so far graduated from the Institution with most being absorbed by the Military. The institution offers Fashion and Design and Computer studies and plans are underway to include more courses. The Center is one of the 11 Vocational Training Centers run by Nairobi City County.
In attendance was the Deputy Director Vocational Training Leornad Mititi and the Principal Kahawa Garrison Vocational Center.
End/…