KEPSA continues to venture in its mission of realizing an enabling business environment that delivers Kenya’s global competitiveness and today joined other stakeholders for a conversation on building skills for global competitiveness through a conference happening today and tomorrow at the Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi. The conference which is part of the 26^th Nairobi International Career Fair has been organized by Express Communication Limited in partnership with KEPSA and other key stakeholders in the education sector.

Very insightful discussions are going on especially looking into the current challenges faced by employers who cannot access a competent workforce and on the other hand the labour market experiencing inadequate jobs. The conference is therefore trying to address this issue of industry skills gaps while exploring the investments necessary for future skills needs and rethinking effective work-based learning programs that will prepare Kenya to be globally competitive.

KEPSA was represented by Ms Mutheu Kasanga, the KEPSA Director in charge of Education, Sports, Arts & Culture and ICT. In her remarks, Ms Mutheu highlighted the urgency of aligning Kenya's education and training systems with the evolving needs of the job market. She emphasized the importance of cultivating adaptable skills for the global economy, stressing the need for a holistic approach to skills development including the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and other soft skills required to manoeuvre in the global job market. The Director expressed optimism in the CBC curriculum for a future where talent flourishes, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning and empowerment for all individuals. Additionally, Ms Mutheu underscored KEPSA's commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia through practical learning experiences and strategic partnerships.

Also, in attendance was Ms Eunice Waudo, Director of Quality Assurance & Standards, Nairobi Region, representing Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education; Dr Vincent Gaitho, Chair of KEPSA Education Sector Board together with the two Vice-Chairs – Ms Wairimu Njage and Ms Priscilla Kerebi; Ms Wambui Mbarire, Vice Chair of KEPSA Trade and Industry Sector Board; Dr Ehud Gachugu, Director Youth, Jobs and Ajira Digital at KEPSA; Mr Sammy Masara, CEO Express Communications Limited; Mr Nyamai Wambua, Head of Partnerships and Linkages at the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali; among other key players in the education and private sectors.

In a speech that was delivered by Ms Waudo, the Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Ezekiel Machogu expressed gratitude and optimism, acknowledging the event's significance in shaping students' futures and addressing youth unemployment challenges. Recognizing Kenya's youthful population as a source of hope, the Ministry emphasized the need to prepare them with both technical skills and positive attitudes for the job market. He also committed to collaborating with the private sector, to bridge the gap between academia and industry demands. He urged on the need to explore the digital and blue economies as those with greater potential to create jobs and urged collective commitment to industry-supported training, soft skills development, and innovation. Hon. Machogu termed the conference as a catalyst for change, fostering collaboration and inspiring action toward a future where youth find purpose and fulfilment in their careers.

Dr. Gaitho delivered a presentation on Effective Work-Based Learning Programs where he emphasized the need to rethink existing programs to prepare Kenya for global competitiveness. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to address skills gaps and drive economic growth.

Dr. Gachugu while moderating a panel session on "A deep dive into the skills gaps and investments necessary for future skills needs" shed light on strategies to address skills gaps and the necessary investments for future needs. One of the solutions highlighted was the need to leverage technology especially emerging technologies such as AI that are offering modern and effective solutions to businesses. He explained that more than one in every 10 workers globally is an online gig worker, and more than three-quarters of the platforms these workers use are regional and local which means that they are providing local startups and SMEs with access to workers who better understand the local context and needs. To the young people still in training, Dr. Gachugu advised them to start preparing for jobs while still in school and not once they finish.

During the panel session on "Jobs without People – People without Jobs," which was moderated by Ms Njage, discussions centred on the skills-industry mismatch in Kenya's education system. Ms Njage emphasized the need for collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders to align curriculum with job market needs. She also highlighted the importance of dual training in vocational institutions and other learning institutions and apprenticeships in bridging the gap, advocating for closer partnerships to provide students with practical experience. Panellists included Mr Fred Oanda from TVETA, Mr Wambua and Ms Mbarire.

Ms. Mbarire added that the coming of the Recognition of Prior Learning (which will be Launched on 9^th March 2024), will ensure that no relevant skill will fall through the cracks. She called for the continuation of the apprenticeship and internship programs which will help young people hone their industry skills while being adaptive to the evolving market needs.

While appreciating the participants, Mr. Masara expressed that education is one of the most important tools that uplift people’s lives in society. It has the power to open doors and bring a brighter future for young people and believes that investing in young people increases their chances of being gainfully employed and spurs economic growth and development.