Kiambu: In a move to bridge the gap between informal skill acquisition and professional certification, the Kiambu County Department of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Communication hosted a significant Accreditation and Certification Workshop at the Kiambu Community Hall. The event held on Wednesday marked a turning point for over 600 young apprentices, transforming them into recognised professionals.
According to Kenya News Agency, for many youths in the construction industry, skills are passed down through membership and site work experience rather than formal classrooms. While their talent may be undeniable, their lack of certification often limits their earning potential and access to large-scale government contracts.
The initiative was organised under the oversight of the Kiambu County Youth Affairs CECM Mr. Osman Ali and a multi-agency collaboration with the National Construction Authority (NCA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the Real Building Workers Association of Kenya (REBWAK), and the Kabete National Polytechnic to ensure that the certification the apprentices received after training carried weight at a national level.
During the workshop, the apprentices received training on occupational safety, construction regulations, safe work practices, and hazard identification, among other topics. The training engaged the apprentices who were accredited in various trades, including masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, painting, and other construction-related skills.
Speaking during the event, the CECM Youth Affairs Mr. Ali Osman explained that the workshop wasn't just about handing out certificates but a rigorous training session focused on elevating the industry's quality. He stated that by formalising these skills, the youths are not just receiving certificates; they are also being equipped to forge career paths and secure a place in Kenya's expanding infrastructure landscape.
Mr. Osman highlighted that Kiambu County is undergoing massive infrastructural transformation, with a high demand for skilled labour due to developments like residential high-rises in Ruiru and Kikuyu and the expansion of industrial hubs in Thika. However, a significant certification gap has persisted, as the youth possess the necessary skills but lack certification proving their competence to international contractors and government agencies. The goal of the workshop was to transform them from casual labourers to certified technicians.
As the workshop concluded, Mr. Osman reiterated the county government's commitment to the continuous mentorship of the youth in the county. By accrediting and formalising their skills, the youth are effectively given a head start to formal employment, allowing them to bid for tenders under the Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme, a direct investment in Kenya's infrastructure future.