Garissa youths urged to be innovative, join technical institutions

Youth in Garissa have been challenged to be innovative as well as join technical institutions and acquire skills for growth.

Speaking at a local hotel during a youth engagement forum between representatives from the sub-counties and leaders, governor Nathif Jama said that the two areas have a lot of potential that remains untapped by the local youth.

Jama regretted that youth in the area shy away from joining technical training colleges despite being fully equipped, something he noted disadvantages them.

In the Garissa sub-county, there are two technical colleges, The NEP technical college and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training [TVET] institute which is owned by the county.

Some of the courses offered include plumbing, tailoring, motor vehicle mechanic, ICT, saloon and beauty therapy, welding, masonry and carpentry. The course duration range from three months to three years

“It worries me that despite the huge investment in technical training institutes, our numbers remain very low,” the governor said.

“As a community, we need to change our mindset that the only gainful employment can come from white-collar jobs. The bitter reality is that those jobs are fast diminishing.”

ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun Mohamed challenged the youth to think outside the box if they are to succeed.

“My appeal to my fellow youth is to Open your mind. Try new things. Get into entrepreneurship and take advantage of the very many opportunities out there. But above all be patient,” she said.

Umulkheir who is the founder of the Kesho Alliance, an NGO that she started in 2015 urged those employed not to be comfortable with the salary they earn and instead diversify and start other things including businesses.

“Rome was never built in a day. You start small and rise up. The worst thing to do is not to try. But it starts with having a different mindset," she said.

The County executive in charge of  Youth, Culture, Gender and Sports Hawa Abdi Sahal who spoke on behalf of the Governor during the closing ceremony assured the youth that the County Government was ready to implement its resolutions.

She said benchmarking initiatives will begin soon where youth will be taken to Kenya School of Government for capacity building

She also revealed the Ajira Digital implementation program for youth in partnership with The Kesho Alliance that will benefit at least 200 youth

Hawo Sahal, the county executive in charge of youth and gender challenged the youth to take advantage of the many opportunities available to make a step in life.

The workshop was sponsored by KCB in partnership with the Kesho Alliance.