The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) wrapped up its week-long Coastal Employers Engagement Series with a final event in Diani, Kwale County. This series, themed "Bridging Skills, Empowering Futures: Uniting Industry and Education," brought together key stakeholders from industry, education, and business membership organizations to address the critical nexus between vocational training and employment.

Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director for Youth, Jobs, and Ajira Digital, led the KEPSA delegation, joined by Maurice Owaka, Program Officer for Partnerships & Linkages, and John Nderitu, Project Assistant. Their presence underscored KEPSA's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and action in the realm of youth employability and skills development.

The Diani event saw participation from a diverse array of businesses, including prominent names in hospitality such as Diani Sea Resort, Neptune Hotels, and Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort. Manufacturing and construction sectors were represented by companies like Franklin Metal Works, Base Titanium Limited, and Big Wings Construction. This mix of industries reflected the breadth of opportunities available for skilled youth in the coastal region.

Central to the discussions was KEPSA's partnership with GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) GmbH Kenya. This collaboration aims to revolutionize skills development by aligning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curricula with industry needs. The program's innovative approach includes:

1. Practical industry training and mentorship for TVET students

2. Matching businesses with appropriately skilled graduates

3. Enhancing productivity and employee retention rates

4. Increasing employment prospects for TVET graduates

Dr. Gachugu emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, "By bringing together employers and educators, we're not just talking about change – we're actively shaping the future of our workforce. This program will ensure that our youth are not just job-ready, but are drivers of innovation in their fields."

The event provided a platform for employers to voice their needs and for educational institutions to showcase their adaptability. Participants engaged in robust discussions on how to create a seamless transition from education to employment, with a focus on practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.

As the series concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism among attendees. The diversity of participating businesses – from established resorts to emerging enterprises – highlighted the vast potential for youth employment in Kwale County and the broader coastal region.

KEPSA's Coastal Employers Engagement Series has set the stage for a new era of collaboration between industry and education. As this initiative moves forward, it promises to not only enhance youth employability but also to drive economic growth and innovation in Kenya's coastal region.

For more information on how to get involved in this transformative program, visit KEPSA's website or follow their social media channels for regular updates on youth employment initiatives.