By Mapenzi Kitsao

In pursuit of their pivotal objectives within the Blue Economy sector, Kenya Coast Blue Economy (KECOBE), in collaboration with partners such as Lamu Shipping Logistics, Express Shipping Logistics Limited, and the office of the Member of Parliament, Mvita Constituency, recently unveiled NITA-accredited short courses for artisans. The launch happened at the Swahili Culture Centre in Mombasa on Wednesday, November 22nd. 

Mbwana Abdala, Chairman of KECOBE, elucidated that the primary focus of this initiative is to equip both the educated and uneducated with essential skills in refrigeration, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical engineering. "Our objective with this program is to empower youth through a three-month training regimen encompassing plumbing, electrical wiring, refrigeration, solar installation, and air conditioning. This training aims to qualify them for job opportunities offshore and onshore within the Blue Economy," he emphasized. 

"We admit students with qualifications as basic as KCPE certificates, connect them with internship opportunities and expose them to potential job openings. Our vision is to extend this program to other coastal counties to ensure widespread accessibility," added Mbwana. 

Swaleh Said, the Education Committee Chairman for Mvita Constituency, pledged unwavering support for enrolled students through bursaries and other educational programs. "Education is a top priority for our office, and we are committed to supporting students through various means," he affirmed. He further encouraged youths to seize the opportunities provided by the government and refrain from unproductive activities.

Hadija Hamid, a parent and community leader, urged the youth to embrace challenges for personal growth. "It's high time for the youth to seize these opportunities and benefit. They need to be proactive about their present and future," she emphasized. 

Despite the positive impact expected in society, Hamid expressed disappointment with the low turnout at the event. "I anticipated a larger participation from the youth, but the turnout remains inadequate. The low turnout indicates a lack of serious consideration for this valuable information, which is ultimately for their benefit. It highlights some level of ignorance and irresponsibility among them," she noted. 

However, Kelvin Machani, a Marine Engineering student at the Technical University of Mombasa, regarded the event as impactful. He called upon fellow youths to actively engage in such programs. "I have gained valuable insights from this experience. Possessing a degree alone is insufficient, and it is essential to acquire basic skills. I, therefore, urge my peers and fellow students to view this as a challenge and a responsibility," he said.