By Treezer Michelle Atieno
In Kenya, ensuring youth transition smoothly from education to employment is
crucial for economic development and social stability. Connecting graduates to
meaningful employment opportunities boosts their personal and professional
growth, reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic prosperity. This
imperative is being addressed head-on by Nairobi City County through a series of
innovative vocational training job fairs held across its 11 Vocational Training
Centres (VTCs).
Over the past three months, Nairobi’s VTCs have been bustling with activity as they
hosted a series of job fairs designed to bridge the gap between vocational training
and employment. These events have provided students invaluable opportunities to
interact directly with potential employers, showcase their skills, and gain insights
into the job market.
The job fairs, which have been organised at each of the 11 VTCs, have featured a
range of activities, including workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions. These
events have allowed students to understand employer expectations, receive career
guidance, and explore various career paths. The direct interaction with employers
has also led to internships and attachment offers, further enhancing the practical
experience of the students.
The culmination of this initiative will be a comprehensive job fair scheduled for
September this year. This grand event will bring together all the vocational training
centres, industry leaders, and stakeholders in a large-scale forum aimed at
maximising employment opportunities for students. The event will showcase the
skills of the trainees and provide a platform for potential employers to meet and
recruit from a pool of talented individuals.
County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Talent, Skills Development, and
Care, Rosemary Kariuki, has been instrumental in driving this initiative. She praised
job fairs as a transformative platform that empowers youth by connecting them
with job opportunities and instilling confidence in their professional abilities.
“Vocational training is a cornerstone of Nairobi’s development strategy,” Kariuki
emphasised, “These job fairs are crucial in equipping young people with practical
skills that meet the labour market’s demands.”
The job fairs align with Nairobi’s broader educational reforms focused on
competency-based education and training (CBET), which ensures that training is
closely aligned with industry needs. Mr Ahmed Abdi, Chief Officer for ECD and
Vocational Training, noted that these fairs are pivotal in enhancing the
employability of graduates. Mr Leonard Mititi, Deputy Director of Vocational
Training, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of these job fairs in paving the
way for a brighter future for students.
