KAM board chairman Sachen Gudka. FILE PHOTO | NMG
Manufacturers want technical institutions and vocational
institutes (TVETs) equipped with modern machines to drive Kenya into a
middle-income country by 2030.
Kenya Association of
Manufacturers (KAM) says poor funding of the institutes is denying them
capacity to equip graduates with relevant skills that manufacturers
need, forcing them to rely on costlier expatriates.
KAM
through its 2020 Manufacturing Priority Agenda says the government
should activate the Sector Skills Advisory Committee to inform skills
training for industries. “To accelerate industrial development, Kenya
must address the skills gap faced by manufacturers by making available
skills training centres that reflect industrial needs,” it said.
Some
22 export-bound textile factories employing 46,248 use costly electric
and computerised machines. They spend millions of shillings to train new
workers since trainers use manual tailoring machines.
“Industrial sustainability and resilience is only possible if the workforce has relevant skills,” it said.
KAM board chairman Sachen Gudka said collaboration can boost industrial growth.
“The fourth industrial revolution includes adoption of new technologies,” Mr Gudka said.
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