The National Industrial Training Authority plays a crucial role in industrial training and skills development, Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime has said.
Mwadime said Nita’s functions align well with the government’s Bottom–Up Economic Transformation Agenda focusing on interventions of wealth creation Employment creation and inclusive economic growth.
“To realise the development priorities under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),"
"Nita plays a crucial role in Industrial Training and Skills development in all integral components stimulating Kenya's economic growth and the realization of a competitive human capital along with other investments for productivity and growth,” Mwadime said.
National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre secretary Dr Nahashon Moitaleel read the PS’s speech during the Graduate Apprentices and Indentured Learners’ Graduation ceremony at Osho Chemical Industries Ltd in Nairobi on Thursday.
“Today, we honour the hard work, dedication and achievements of our Indentured Learners and Graduate Apprentices who have completed Industrial Training under the National Industrial Training Schemes of Indentured Learnership and Graduate Apprenticeship regulated by the National Industrial Training Authority (Nita),” Mwadime said.
Mwadime said skilled labour is recognised as a key enabler in all economic sectors including manufacturing, housing and settlement, healthcare, digital and creative economy.
He told the graduates to embody BETA by making meaningful contributions to the evolving job market through skills development and job creation.
“I commend Nita for its dedication to such initiatives with industry for accelerated innovation, workforce skills, technology transfer, economic growth and job creation for the youth in this country. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, State Department of Labour and Skills Development endeavour to support such partnerships with social partners,” Mwadime said.
The PS said industry collaborations are drivers of progress and prosperity in bringing together diverse perspectives and resources.
“As we forge ahead, let’s embrace collaborations as the cornerstone for unlocking potential for Industrial Training in Kenya,” Mwadime said.
He said the partnership between Nita and Osho Chemical Limited had transformative potential for training the society at large through the development of a skilled workforce that is employable, productive, enterprising, innovative, adaptive and competitive.
“The synergy between Nita and the industry in Kenya is a catalyst for innovation, economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.
Osho Chemical Industries Limited, the leading agricultural input supplier in the industry, has been a dominating force in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa since its inception in 1993.
The company specializes in manufacturing and distributing of quality and affordable agro products, industrial chemicals, public-health products and animal health products.
“As part of continuous commitment to impacting change in the society, Osho Chemical Industries Ltd in February 2022 initiated an indentured learners’ program taking through a rigorous training of 66 machine operators. Later, in September 2022, an apprenticeship program commenced equipping 14 professionals with practical skills in various functions,” the company’s founder Manoj K Shar said.
Shah encouraged the graduates to be bold, and innovative and use their newfound expertise to drive change as they seek opportunities to mentor and support others.
He said the knowledge and skills gained over the past year formed an essential foundation upon which the graduates can build their dreams.
“This will ensure the continuity of my dream to create job opportunities, uplift individuals and strengthen the fabric of the society; making a difference in the world,” Shah said.
The company’s CEO Nisheel Shah acknowledged the 66 machine operators in the indentured learner’s program noting the rigorous training and testing which ensured the mastering of machine operations, basic maintenance, service, part replacement and essential safety protocols.
Nisheel recognized the 14 graduate apprenticeship program cohorts noting the practical work experience gained to equip them with skills required for future careers.
He highlighted their potential to propel Kenya to greater heights as professionals in various functions even as 11 of them were absorbed within the Osho Group workforce.
Nita chairman Aden Noor acknowledged the successful partnership between Osho Chemical Industries Ltd and the Authority.
Noor noted milestones achieved in Kenya’s Industrial training
that has evolved and provides skilled labour across all economic sectors addressing Kenya’s skills shortage while promoting economic development and creating pathways for employment and career advancement.
Nita acting director general Theresa Wasike applauded Osho
Chemical Industries Ltd for participating in industrial training and collaboration in the advancement of Industrial Training and skills development.
Wasike reassured Nita’s commitment in support initiatives towards ensuring quality and a steady supply of skilled manpower in Kenya.
