By Monica Nashon
The government has stepped up efforts to equip young people with modern agricultural skills under the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) programme.
Speaking at Kisii National Polytechnic, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, urged the adoption of innovative and technology-driven farming practices to align youth skills with current job market demands.
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Dr. Muoria said the SIFA programme, a joint initiative supported by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and funded by the German Development Bank, is designed to strengthen practical training, particularly in agriculture.
She noted that the government is committed to ensuring young people acquire relevant, market-driven skills that meet both local and international labour demands.
Emphasising the need for transformation in the sector, Dr. Muoria called for a shift from outdated farming methods to mechanised and digital approaches.
“We must move away from outdated practices. It is not acceptable that in this day and age, people are still weeding farms manually using pangas, as was done in the 1960s, while modern machines are available,” she said.
She added that embracing innovation would not only boost productivity but also reduce labour intensity in farming.
The PS further cited government research indicating significant job opportunities for skilled youth across various industries locally and abroad, urging training institutions to integrate technology into their programmes.
“As a government, we are putting our best foot forward to ensure that our youth gain the necessary skills to meet industry demands. These skills must be specific, practical, and aligned with modern technology,” she said.
Dr. Muoria also challenged institutions to adopt digital training approaches, particularly in agriculture, to better prepare learners for a rapidly evolving job market.
