The Big 4 Agenda is not a lofty government plan, but its plans actually hope to effect change for the whole society; youth included.
After finishing one’s high school education, there are several factors that could influence what comes next for an individual. Attaining a higher education is among the top priorities for most Form 4 Leavers, however, the right education is crucial to positioning oneself for the next wave of growth within Kenya. Now a middle-income nation, Kenya’s youth skills, and training are vital to pushing the next agenda of development for our nation. Principal Secretary Kevit Desai said standardizing equipment and courses in TVET would support the industrialization sector, which anchors manufacturing as part of the Big Four agenda.
Here are a few emerging fields that a Form 4 Leaver should consider :
1.Geospatial Engineering
One of the latest additions to the field of engineering, geospatial engineering is a combination of disciplines for effective urban planning. According to University of New South Wales, “surveyors work alongside other engineers, architects and land developers to define legal land boundaries and provide essential engineering support for urban development, large infrastructure projects, the development and operation of mines and the management of the environment and resources.” A cross-displinary profession, Geospatial engineering would be critical in the creation of a more developed, well planned Kenya. With an increase in the growth of urban centers, Kenya’s built environment could benefit from the tech-aided mapping, visualization, and surveying that geospatial engineering offers.
2.Agribusiness
The Big 4 Agenda heavily relies on food security and nutrition to revolutionise the standard of living of the nation and its people. Though Kenya may be a land of fertile lands, it has often suffered drought and food waste, signifying a variance in food security in both extremes. With the government committed to 100% food security, having the right skill set to implement high yield agricultural practices and management could be essential to ensure the nation’s food basket remains full. With enough agricultural land to cater to the nation’s growing population, youth looking to improve their career prospects could consider courses in agricultural entrepreneurship, agribusiness management, or sustainable agribusiness and innovation.
3. Construction
The youth’s hand in Kenya’s economy is an integral part of the nation’s growth. Kenya’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth was projected to rise to 5.7% in 2018—up from 4.9% in 2017—and continue to increase steadily to 5.8% in 2019, and 6.0% in 2020, according to the World Bank’s 18th Kenya Economic Update (KEU). Keen on urban growth and planning, the Ministry of Education has re-introduced the Technical and Vocational Educational Training. According to a recent report, PS Kevit Desai said standardizing courses and equipment in TVETs would create a good link with small businesses. He added, “Micro, small and medium sector is a sleeping giant and we need to awaken just by increasing the level of innovation and training.”
4.Virtual Medicine
With the integration of technology into medicine, the medical field continues to grow daily. As universal health coverage stands among the major pillars of the Big 4 Agenda, technology will go a long way to make universal healthcare more accessible to all. Virtual Medicine allows medical practitioners to reach patients in remote and inaccessible areas, through the use of the internet. Though it is an emerging field, it is still yet to be well established locally, however it could be the next frontier in medical care.
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