Zetech Partners with Government to Empower Youth

The rate of unemployment in Kenya continues to pose a threat to the overall economic well-being of the country. This has pushed the government through the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs (MPYG), The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MLSP) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives (MITC) to implement a Multi-Million World Bank funded youth empowerment programme, dubbed the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP), which is set to change the fortunes of 280,000 vulnerable young Kenyans.

Eager to be part of the transformative programme, Zetech University signed up as a formal trainer this January, through the institution’s Corporate Training arm, in an effort to provide quality training to learners in the areas of Hospitality, Media and Film as well as Engineering. The aim of this programme is to improve the employability of youth and help them successfully enter the workforce and obtain meaningful employment.

Zetech, keen on providing employment-related counseling and advice to the youth throughout the five-month period, received over 100 students from KYEOP, with the majority of participants have joined the Department of Hospitality, Tourism, Education Arts & Social sciences. Meanwhile, over 40 trainees have been attached to our Department of Media Arts and Design while the rest joined the Faculty of ICT and Engineering.

The project will include a two months comprehensive programme with 80% practical approach to prepare the trainees for job specific skills; thereafter, they will be expected to undertake a three months internship which the University will secure for each student.

Commenting on the development, Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene lauded the government for the enhanced focus on educating young people and equipping them with technical and managerial skills to transform the future of this country, “As a University, we are honored to have this opportunity to build capacity in these specific areas of expertise. We laud KYEOP for the exceptional work and look forward to a rewarding partnership.” Prof. Njenga said.

He added that the institution accommodates those with special needs including three hearing impaired students who have been provided for a personal interpreter who accompanies them to all their classes.

One of the beneficiaries Ednah Omogo, expressed her excitement at joining Zetech, “It has only been two weeks and I already feel like I am qualified for the Industry. I want to thank Zetech and NITA for the opportunity to access and enjoy quality education,” said Ednah Omogo, who joined the Faculty of ICT and Engineering, taking a course in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

The ongoing project is divided into four key components namely that will focus on improving youth employability, job creation, Labor Market Information Systems (LMIS), and Strengthening Youth Policy Development and Project Management.