West Mugirango MP Dr James Gesami has decried shortage of experts with technical skills due to negative attitudes against joining technical and vocational training institutions in Nyamira County.
The MP cited skills in plumbing, carpentry, masonry and building technology, mechanical engineering and other artisan courses where the locals are relying on technicians sourced from far-flung counties for such jobs.
He challenged youths from the area to take up training opportunities in government sponsored technical training centres which are now available in every ward.
Speaking at ELCK Bobembe Technical and Vocational Training College in his constituency, Gesami told the youths that on completion of their studies, they will be guaranteed job opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
"Currently, there are many projects that are being undertaken by the
county government but the contracts were being allocated to job seekers from other counties because there are no qualified people from the area to take up the jobs. This should be a challenge to even the parents who have responsibilities of enrolling their children in the institutes," said Gesami.
During the meeting, the MP and the ward representative of Bogichora Mr Beautah Omanga presented technical learning equipment worth Sh2.5 million to the centre.
On his part, Mr Omanga noted that due to the pessimistic attitude, many of the institutions don't have learners. He challenged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to work on modalities of popularising the institutions so as to increase the number of students enrolling in the learning centres.
"The number of the students enrolling in the institutions is very low and it is high time the ministry of Education, Science and Technology worked hard towards increasing enrolment," said Omanga.