By Peace Muthoka.
County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Education and Training joined hands with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) at its Athi-River Centre, united by a common goal to empower young Kenyans through skills development and expanded opportunities.
Leaders representing all 47 counties joined hands with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and other key partners to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive industrial training ecosystem.
Speaking at the confrence, NITA’s Acting Director General, Ms. Theresa Wasike, acknowledged the strong county turnout as “overwhelming,” saying it reflected “the importance County Governments accord to advancing Education and Training for a majority of our youth.”
Wasike affirmed the value of collaboration. “NITA is desirous to capitalize any opportunity that would advance this great partnership,” she said. The event, she added, offered a timely chance to “explore additional diverse areas of collaboration” and deepen existing ties for mutual benefit.
Ms. Wasike shared her belief that through shared efforts, “we shall identify critical areas of collaboration whose implementation will ultimately lead to the realization of the much desired economic growth & development and job creation.”
At the same time, Ms. Carolyn Rutto, Chairperson of the Industrial Training and Strategy Committee. “The presence of County Executive Committee Members shows just how serious we all are about advancing industrial training in Kenya,” she remarked. Echoing the DG’s message, she added, “As a Committee, we’re convinced that the outcomes from today’s forum will go a long way in ensuring realization of our strategic priorities.”
Ms. Rutto, whose committee advises on strategic direction and monitors training program effectiveness, also praised the joint efforts that led to the convening of the forum. Her words captured a collective sense of duty and direction.
Similarly, Hon. Aden Noor Ali, Chair of the National Industrial Training Board, spotlighted the Board’s core mission. “We are actively working with the management team to enhance NITA’s capacity by fostering partnerships at both national and county levels,” he stated. Referring to NITA’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, he emphasized its focus on “customer satisfaction and inclusivity.”
With clarity and resolve, Hon. Ali added, “We are also strengthening collaborations with the private sector and international agencies to reach underserved communities.” He reiterated the Board’s commitment to quality assurance and sustainability in training and certification.
From the national government, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, delivered his message through Labour and Skills Development Secretary Administrator, Mr. Herman Shambi, . He commended NITA’s progress, particularly in curriculum reforms and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative.
“RPL is a game-changer for artisans and informal sector workers,” he said. “It enhances employability, dignity, and mobility of workers.” Noting that NITA is targeting 420,000 assessments by October 2025, he called on counties to step up and support the initiative. “Let us work together to deliver on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
