Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Ogamba has urged Kenyan youths to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to acquire the necessary skills for job opportunities at the upcoming Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Speaking during the official launch of the Likoni Technical and Vocational Training College (TVC), a Centre of Excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, CS Ogamba emphasized that the institution will produce skilled manpower to serve over 58 industries expected to establish operations at the SEZ.
The CS elaborated that the Likoni TVC will offer specialized training in refrigeration, welding, plumbing, ICT, construction, and infrastructure engineering, ensuring that industries receive well-trained professionals ready to join the workforce. He further assured government support in providing infrastructure, modern equipment, and skilled trainers to guarantee the institution produces high-quality graduates who can compete in the job market.
“It’s a critical TVC, and as a government, we will support it. It has the potential to expand. Currently, it has 810 trainees, with a target of over 3,000 by the end of this year,” stated CS Ogamba.
To enhance security and protect the 12-acre land where the TVC sits, the government has allocated Ksh10 million for the construction of a perimeter wall. Additionally, 100 computers will be delivered to boost digital learning and training at the institution.
Meanwhile, the government is set to sign an agreement with the African Export-Import Bank on Friday to operationalize the Dongo Kundu SEZ. The signing, which will be witnessed by President William Ruto, comes as part of his week-long development tour in the Coast region. To support the industries expected to be established at the SEZ, the government has also allocated Ksh6.5 billion for the construction of a 50-kilometer 220 KV transmission line from Mariakani substation to Dongo Kundu.
Likoni Member of Parliament (MP) Mishi Mboko called on the government to establish a Huduma Centre in the constituency to ease access to essential services. She also urged authorities to reintroduce ferries at Mtongwe to alleviate congestion at the Likoni Crossing Channel.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir assured that the county government would provide internship opportunities for graduates of Likoni TVC, ensuring they gain practical experience and increase their employability.
“When they finish the internships, we will do job placements,” Governor Nassir affirmed.
With government backing and strategic investments in technical education, youths in the Coast region are poised to benefit from the job opportunities that will arise from the Dongo Kundu SEZ.
