Youth Urged to Pursue Technical Courses Before Starting Businesses

Youth Urged to Pursue Technical Courses Before Starting Businesses.

Purity Karimi, the Deputy Principal of Kirinyaga Central Technical and Vocational College (TVC), has urged young people in Kirinyaga County to prioritize technical education before venturing into business or side hustles in their early years. She emphasized that technical training provides essential skills, knowledge, and certifications that can sustain individuals in both formal and informal sectors.

Speaking during a National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursary disbursement ceremony at Kamuiru Boys High School, Karimi explained that acquiring skills and valid certification first better positions the youth for diverse future opportunities.

She advised parents to guide their children who have completed secondary school to delay business ventures and instead enroll them in technical institutions for professional training.

Karimi stated, “Don’t take your Form Four leavers to be employed in the market or start a business for them; enroll them for a course so that they have a certificate while doing other things. When opportunity knocks, they should be ready.”

Highlighting the capabilities of local institutions, Karimi informed parents that Kirinyaga Central TVC is well-equipped and offers high-quality training comparable to that of national polytechnics. She dismissed the misconception that better education can only be found far from home and encouraged parents to explore local options.

She said, “I know some parents want to take their children to the national polytechnic, but here in Kirinyaga, which is near, we offer the same courses, we have equipment, and we have qualified trainers. Take a step to visit us for inquiries on what we offer.”

Karimi urged parents to make inquiries and seek guidance on the variety of courses available at TVCs. She noted that these colleges have well-trained tutors and modern facilities, making them ideal for technical education without the need for distant travel.

Opportunities Through Bursaries, Loans, and New Infrastructure

Acknowledging government support, Karimi appreciated the role of the National Government and the NG-CDF in infrastructure development. She revealed that Kirinyaga Central TVC plans to construct a new tuition block and hostels to reduce student mobility during training.

The college was among the institutions that received a significant share of this year’s bursaries. Additionally, students can access loans through the New Higher Education Funding Model and apply for scholarships to support their studies.

Read Also: KNUT Pushes for Immediate Release of Capitation Funds Before Schools Reopen

The deputy principal encouraged individuals already possessing practical skills to enroll for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificate. This certification validates skills and knowledge acquired through experience or informal training, providing formal recognition.

“We also offer RPL certificates for those who have skills. You will get interviewed and once successful receive a certificate recognized by the government,” she explained.

Dr. Jacinta Mutisya, the Kirinyaga County Education Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, called on parents to actively support their children’s education. She challenged them not to rely solely on government assistance, especially when it comes to raising the small amount of fees required to facilitate their children’s studies.

Youth Urged to Pursue Technical Courses Before Starting Businesses.

Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].