The inventory will provide information on the occupational profile of various sectors, industrial attachment linked to the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), an industrial attachment portal and the job opportunities available in the market. Photo/ PSCU
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 10 – The Government is developing a database for all skills available in Kenya.
The National Skills Inventory for Kenya will comprise a database of the distribution of skilled manpower in different sectors of the economy.
Suspended Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Manpower Development Kazungu Kambi, who spoke to ‘Nexus’ a few days before he stepped aside, said the ‘one-stop shop’ will bring together employers and employees. He said the inventory will be a useful tool to employers in the public and private sector.
Employers can also hire staff directly from the database.
Kambi said the inventory will establish how many graduates are available in the market at postgraduate, degree, diploma and certificate levels.
“We will be in a position to know the professionals in the market. For example, it will be able possible how many engineers, doctors, nurses and other professionals and what their skill are,” he said.
He pointed out that foreign governments and companies will be encouraged to use the inventory when they recruit in the country.
“They will go to the database and whoever they pick will be trained on what to expect in the countries where they will be working. In America and Europe, similar inventories are very useful and this is the example we want to follow,” he said.
Information from the Labour Ministry seen by Nexus shows that the database will be operational by the next year when the infrastructure will be up and running.
The inventory will provide information on the occupational profile of various sectors, industrial attachment linked to the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), an industrial attachment portal and the job opportunities available in the market.
The Private Sector has welcomed the initiative.
Fortcom Consult CEO Simon Ngugi said the skills inventory will be a very useful tool for employers.
“In real estate, we have problems getting the right architects and physical planners. Many who come to us are compromised professionals,” he said.
Ngugi said the construction industry requires qualified researchers in real estate development.
“We should develop low-cost and affordable houses to address the shelter problem in this country. However we still lag behind because we do not have the right people for employment,” he added.
Ronald Kimaiyo, a HR specialist in Nairobi, said the inventory is welcome as it will help staff in the right jobs. He, however, said there is need to compare with the latest performance appraisals as certificates alone do not guarantee improved services.
The Kenya Vision 2030 has identified human resource development as a critical foundation for national social and economic transformation.
Kenya’s global competitiveness will depend on its ability to create a human resource base that will be constantly upgraded and aligned to the needs of industry.
(‘Nexus’ is the Government newsroom that communicates transformation)
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