Nanyuki:Youth from pastoralist communities are being encouraged to adopt artisan and technical skills, which are reportedly underutilized despite increasing demand in the job market.
According to Kenya News Agency, stakeholders have highlighted that vocational training offers young individuals the chance to secure employment, start businesses, and become self-reliant, particularly in pastoral communities where formal education is less accessible.
At a recent graduation ceremony held in Nanyuki, Laikipia county, 39 trainees received their certificates after completing training in plumbing, electrical installation, and solar technology. The training was facilitated by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) in partnership with the Danish Government. Stakeholders noted that young people in pastoral areas, especially girls, face significant barriers to education and employment.
Mikkel Klim, Danish Embassy Team Lead for Climate Diplomacy, stated that the Danish Government has collaborated with local community organizations for 14 years to promote development in underserved regions. Klim revealed that Denmark has invested approximately 12 million US dollars in projects focusing on water, environmental rehabilitation, and education.
Dr. Kevit Desai, Chairman of the Mashinani Works Board, emphasized that the training programs equip graduates with nationally recognized skills, improving their employment prospects. The program aims to bring vocational training closer to young people in remote areas, offering skills in energy, electrical wiring, and solar systems.
Graduates praised the initiative, stating it has provided them with practical knowledge to start businesses and create job opportunities in their communities. The program, initiated seven years ago with Danish support, targets pastoralist youth with limited access to formal education, impacting 1,752 individuals so far.
Efforts by the government and development partners to address youth unemployment through expanded access to technical and vocational education are ongoing, as demonstrated by this program.
