Nairobi: 7th November 2024
County Executive for Talent Skills Development and Care Brian Mulama today led a high-profile Partners round table to lay the groundwork for the Nairobi’s upcoming TVET Summit that will be held on 4th and 5th December 2024 at Uhuru Park and is expected to be attended by over 5000 youths. The theme of the summit is dubbed TVET as a gateway to employment and job creation. This is critical dialogue and major step forward for our county’s youth empowerment.
The County Executive in his opening statement said “Youth are the drivers of our county’s future and as we all know, Nairobi is home to a young, vibrant population with tremendous potential. The youth are the heartbeat of our county and the drivers of our economy, culture, and growth. However, many of them face high unemployment and often lack access to quality, job-relevant training.”
“As we prepare for this summit, our mission is clear: to create sustainable pathways that empower our youth, equip them with essential skills, and ultimately, support them in securing meaningful employment or creating their own enterprises. He also highlighted the high-profile nature of the event, with the Governor set to attend the summit. “This will be a significant event for the youth of our county, and having the Governor present shows the importance we place on empowering our young people. Therefore, it is crucial that we present a well-organized and adequately funded summit,” he said.
Mr. Mulama highlighted the importance of Vocational Training in Nairobi County saying, “Vocational training plays a unique role in this journey. It bridges the gap between traditional academic routes and the practical skills demanded by today’s job market. The demand for skilled labor in Nairobi, across Kenya, and beyond is growing, and our youth must be ready to meet it” he said
The Chief Officer ECD & Vocational training Ahmed Abdi said that Vocational training is not a “backup” plan but powerful tool for economic resilience. “It’s a pathway that offers immediate, tangible outcomes—outcomes that we’ve seen across sectors, from construction and healthcare to IT, hospitality, and beyond. Skilled work is valuable work, and it deserves investment and respect”. said Abdi.
The Chief Officer encouraged all participating organizations to take the necessary steps to consult with their leadership teams before the summit, ensuring that any potential concerns or adjustments regarding the budgets are addressed well in advance. “We want this summit to be a success, and it is imperative that we have all our financial arrangements in place and that every detail is considered,” he added.
The County Executive emphasized on the role played by stakeholders and collaboration for real impact. “As stakeholders, your role in this initiative is vital. Together, we represent the full ecosystem of youth development and vocational training—government agencies, educational institutions, private sector partners, NGOs, and community leaders. Each of us brings insights, resources, and capabilities that can help transform vocational training into a robust, accessible, and attractive option for Nairobi’s youth.”
“The upcoming Youth Summit will provide us with a platform to openly discuss the current barriers, explore innovative solutions, and forge strong partnerships to support vocational education in our county. By coordinating our efforts, we can amplify our impact and ensure our youth receive the training, mentorship, and employment opportunities they need to thrive.”
The Committee Chairperson Kevin Osido- CEO Governors Watch said that in preparation for the summit, the team will focus on a few key areas where we can make a difference: Curriculum Relevance – Aligning vocational training programs with the latest industry standards to ensure our youth are job-ready. Infrastructure and Resources – Ensuring that vocational institutions have the necessary facilities, tools, and resources to deliver hands-on training effectively. Public Perception and Awareness – Vocational education is still perceived as a secondary option.
Funding and Accessibility – Exploring innovative funding models and subsidies to make vocational training affordable and accessible for all youth, regardless of their financial backgrounds. Job Placement and Entrepreneurship Support – Creating structured pathways from training to employment or entrepreneurship, ensuring youth have support for the transition into the workforce.
The summit, which is set to be a landmark event for youth development in the region, is expected to provide a platform for young people to engage in workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship sessions, with a focus on leadership, career development, and social entrepreneurship.
In attendance were led by Assistant Director Vocational Education and Training Kepha Nyamwembe, Susan Kamau and VTC Principals Caroline Nguli, and James Simiyu others
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