Students Urged to Pursue Technical and Vocational Training.
To meet the expanding demand for higher education, the government has heavily invested in tertiary institutions, aiming to accommodate the surge of high school graduates and facilitate access to technical and vocational education.
Dr. Langat Kipkirui Langat, Director General of the TVET Authority, highlighted the urgent need for students to pursue technical education, especially as the nation grapples with a shortage of skilled technicians.
Dr. Langat urged students to consider fields critical to Kenya’s economic growth and healthcare sector.
He pointed out that globally, nurses represent over half of the healthcare workforce, followed closely by doctors, emphasizing the need for youth involvement in these crucial sectors. This, he noted, would not only address local workforce gaps but also enhance Kenya’s role in global healthcare.
At the graduation ceremony of over 200 nurses from Nairobi West Hospital College of Health Sciences, specializing in Oncology and Critical Care Nursing, Dr. Langat underscored the significance of embracing new technologies and staying updated with emerging skills.
He stressed the necessity for professionals to adapt in response to Kenya’s rapidly evolving job market, advocating for a balance between skills and formal qualifications.
His goal is for skilled individuals to receive recognition, while those with formal training acquire the hands-on skills required to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
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To address the rising demand for digital and technical skills, Dr. Langat encouraged the youth to retool and adapt to current industry needs.
He pointed out the government’s initiative to expand ICT access to remote areas, a step that aims to bridge the digital gap, foster local talent, and connect entrepreneurs to both local and global markets.
Prior Learning Recognition and Support for Skill Development
One of the government’s focal initiatives is the recognition of prior learning, benefiting individuals who have acquired skills in the workforce without formal certification.
This policy supports skill-based recognition, further enabling workforce development. Dr. Langat advised graduates to approach challenges with resilience and aim for continuous personal and professional growth.
Osawa Otta, Deputy Director of the TVET Authority, noted that an increase in the number of qualified nurses would reduce pressure on healthcare facilities.
He acknowledged the importance of training institutions like the Nairobi West Hospital College in providing advanced education for healthcare workers and expressed a desire for greater county government involvement.
This initiative, he explained, not only strengthens local healthcare but also fortifies Kenya’s contribution to global healthcare resilience.
Prof. Andrew Gachii, Chief Medical Director, highlighted the critical role of private institutions in training specialized nurses, particularly in fields like critical care.
He noted that the government faces challenges in funding specialized training but called for more government support to sustain these costly yet essential programs.
The Role of Nurses in Kenya’s Healthcare Landscape
Susan Limoh, Principal of the College of Health Sciences, acknowledged the indispensable role nurses play in addressing Kenya’s healthcare needs.
She emphasized that demand for specialized nurses extends beyond Kenya, especially in high-demand fields like ICU, Bone Marrow Transplants, Cancer Care, and Kidney Transplants.
Limoh noted that the college aims to produce healthcare professionals who are technically proficient, compassionate, and ethical, ready to impact diverse healthcare sectors.
She outlined the college’s commitment to graduating healthcare professionals who are both technically skilled and ethically grounded.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with the competencies necessary to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape, preparing them to serve in various specialized healthcare roles.
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Guest speaker Prof. Oyoo commended the graduates for choosing a career path that prioritizes service to humanity. He shared that nursing transcends monetary gain, centering on the unique impact nurses have on patients’ lives.
Nurses, he noted, encounter each patient’s personal story, dreams, and challenges, and it is their responsibility to provide care, comfort, and hope beyond mere physical treatment.
Students Urged to Pursue Technical and Vocational Training.
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