CS Ogamba Urges Graduates: Don’t Wait for Jobs—Create Your Own Opportunities

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has encouraged new graduates, especially those from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, to embrace self-reliance by creating their own jobs instead of depending solely on formal employment.

He said the country is moving into a phase where practical skills, innovation, and creativity will determine who thrives in the current economy.

Speaking during the 20th Graduation Ceremony of Eldoret Polytechnic on Monday, December 1, the CS explained that the government has already put in place strong infrastructural plans in key areas such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.

These sectors, he noted, offer young people a major opportunity to use their skills, turn their talents into income, and build meaningful careers even without waiting for traditional office jobs.

Ogamba emphasized that Kenya’s job creation efforts are being accelerated through major national programmes like affordable housing, manufacturing, the digital economy, and the creative economy.

According to him, TVET institutions lie at the heart of this transformation because they produce the skilled workforce needed to support these expanding sectors.

He urged the graduating class of 2025 to step into the world with confidence and start creating opportunities instead of simply searching for employment.

He said graduates must become entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem solvers, noting that Kenya needs young people with bold ideas, determination, and the courage to take action.

Ogamba also encouraged vocational institutions across the country to strengthen partnerships with industries and continually update their training tools and equipment.

This, he explained, will ensure that students receive modern, practical training that prepares them not only to secure employment but also to start their own ventures and generate jobs for others.

The CS further assured graduates that the government will continue increasing support through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

This includes more scholarships, expanded funding, and wider financial aid to ensure every young Kenyan—especially those in TVETs—gets a fair chance to pursue higher education without being held back by financial challenges.

He emphasized that scholarships, capitation, and HELB support remain crucial pillars in ensuring equality in education, making sure that no talented young person is denied opportunities because of lack of money.

His remarks come nearly a year after the government introduced major reforms in TVET programmes and curriculum to better match the needs of the job market and reduce the number of graduates who remain unemployed for long periods.

During the first graduation ceremony of Ollessos National Polytechnic on January 31, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also highlighted the government’s commitment to reshaping TVET training.

He announced that short, intensive courses lasting two to three weeks would soon be introduced to equip learners with quick, practical skills that can immediately open doors to job opportunities.

Kindiki noted that the earlier curriculum focused too much on theories, formulas, and principles without giving students enough hands-on skills. The new Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system is designed to address that gap by aligning training directly with industry needs.

He added that many job opportunities—especially those offered through the government’s labour mobility programmes—require specific practical skills that can be taught through short courses.

These programmes will ensure young people can gain certificates and secure jobs both locally and abroad within a short training period.

Overall, the message from top government officials is clear: the future belongs to skilled, creative, and proactive youth who can use their training to build their own paths instead of waiting for employment to find them.

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