Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has challenged the youth to consider pursuing careers in the energy sector, more so in green energy, saying there are great opportunities to exploit.
Wandayi said the youth have opportunities to be solar technicians, wind turbine engineers, and green energy entrepreneurs.
"As a leader in renewable energy, Kenya is positioned to skill its youth for jobs of tomorrow. We are collaborating with other industry players to provide internships, apprenticeship, and training programs that create a seamless pathway for youth into energy careers,” he said.
Speaking during the official launch of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation’s flagship scholarship programme-Inuka, the CS said Kenya must start nurturing the next generation of green energy experts as the country transitions fully into clean energy.
He stated that energy was the lifeblood of education in the 21st-century education system, without which very little digital learning can take place.
He said energy lights up classrooms, power assertive devices, and enables the use of digital learning tools.
The CS said that as a ministry, no effort is being spared to ensure that efficient, reliable, and affordable energy is availed to educational institutions.
"My ministry is making steady progress through initiatives like rural electrification programs and solar mini-grids in remote counties.”
The programme targets bright but differently-abled students and sponsors them through high school and tertiary education.
Started in 2017, the initiative has so far benefited 745 students from across the country with at least Sh120 million being spent. The sponsorship covers tuition, uniforms, and essential school needs.
Speaking during the event held in Nairobi, KPC Managing Director Joe Sang stated that last year alone, 47 per cent of the beneficiaries achieved university entry grades.
Building on its success, Sang said they have also introduced an annual mentorship programme for Inuka scholars.
The initiative, he said, will provide guidance, life skills, and career preparation for over 370 students.
The company also recently launched another programme dubbed Inuka Plus which seeks to extend its support to students beyond secondary education.
It is specifically designed to help students advance their education in universities and TVET institutions.
