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Lack of professional career guidance blamed for low transition rate in Lamu

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy with Form Four leavers at the Mombasa Technical Training Institute on February 17, 2024. (Photo: Lamu County)

By Farhiya Hussein | Sunday, February 18, 2024

Governor Timamy pointed out that the absence of proper advising and mentoring for children contributes to the skills gap in the country's labour market.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has blamed the lack of professional career guidance as the main factor behind the low transition rates of secondary school students into higher learning institutions.

The governor highlighted this during a career talk organised for Form Four leavers and students by the County Government of Lamu, in collaboration with Lamu County Public Service and Mombasa Technical Training Institute on Saturday.

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Governor Timamy also pointed out that the absence of proper advising and mentoring for children contributes to the skills gap in the country's labour market.

He noted the mismatch occurs because employers seek skills that differ from what school leavers possess in terms of training and experience.

“Many young people in Kenya enter the labour market without adequate skills mainly because they were not exposed to proper and professional career guidance from the primary school to university level,” said Governor Timamy.

To enhance the county's educational infrastructure, Governor Timamy pledged to construct dormitories for Lamu Girls and Mpeketoni Girls, construct a library at Mpeketoni Boys, and provide free study guides valued at Sh100,000 to all public secondary schools.

The county’s Ministry of Education encouraged youth to enrol in Kizingitini Technical College for various professions.

The workshop took place at the Pate Social Hall, bringing together youth from Mtangawanda, Pate, Siu, Shangarubu, and Shangaishakani, while another workshop held at the Rasini Social Hall included youth from Tchundwa, Mbwajumwali, Myabogi, Kizingitini, and Rasini.

Speaking to the youth, many of whom have completed secondary education, the Lamu Education CECM Sebastian Owanga urged them to seize the opportunity to acquire practical skills at Kizingitini College.

The training provided includes electrical engineering, carpentry, plumbing, beauty therapy, tailoring, and welding.