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Tag: Julius Ogamba

  • African youth hailed as continent’s tech future

    African youth hailed as continent’s tech future

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has challenged African youth to seize the mantle of innovation and industry, calling them the ‘heartbeat of Africa’s industrial revolution.’

    Speaking in Nairobi at the 10th Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) award ceremony, Ogamba celebrated the creativity and resilience of young competitors drawn from 12 African countries, saying their skills and discipline were proof that Africa is ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    “Go beyond competing. Be innovators, solution creators, and mentors. Do not wait for opportunities — create them. You are the heartbeat of Africa’s future.” He said.

    The ceremony brought together government leaders, Chinese and African diplomats, corporate partners, and 52 finalists who showcased their talents in CNC Turning, Mechanical Engineering CAD, and Mobile Application Development.

    Ogamba underlined that the initiative complements Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by equipping young people with practical skills to drive manufacturing and job creation.

    “The government is investing in modern equipment, rolling out the modular Competency-Based Training curriculum, and expanding industry linkages,” Ogamba said.

    “Competitions like ATC help ensure our graduates are globally competitive and locally relevant,”he added.

    Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Training, hailed the competition as proof that TVET institutions are no longer training youth to simply ‘know’ but to ‘do.’

    “This platform is where finesse, skill, and innovation meet,” she said. “Africa’s youth must rise to meet the demands of a global workforce. Competitions like ATC sharpen our collective ability to grow together.”

    From the diplomatic front, PS Korir Sing’Oei of Foreign Affairs highlighted how ATC has strengthened the friendship between Africa and China.

    “The young people trained here will not only impact their own lives, but also their families, communities, and countries. This is what sustainable development truly means,” he said.

    Chinese representatives reinforced this spirit of collaboration. Zhang Zhizhong, Chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy, described ATC as “a vital bridge between learning and industry.” He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting African youth through scholarships, vocational training, and investments in TVET infrastructure.

    Li Qingtang, Executive Vice President of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), revealed that AVIC has already upgraded 189 vocational institutions across Africa and trained more than 20,000 teachers and students annually.

    This year marked the 10th anniversary of the ATC, co-hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Education, AVIC Innovation Holding Ltd., and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE). What began in 2014 as a small technical competition has grown into one of Africa’s premier youth-skilling platforms.

    Among the big winners was Victor Kamau, a final-year mechanical engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya. Kamau credited discipline and persistence for his success in the CAD category.

    “We had just two hours to produce complex drawings under pressure,” he recalled. “It was tough, but determination kept me going. This win means the world to me.”

    Kamau and other top performers will travel to China for WorldSkills training, with six individual champions receiving full scholarships for further study.

    “This has been my dream for years,” Kamau said, beaming. “I want to use this opportunity to grow, and to tell other young innovators: keep practicing, keep pushing. One day, it pays off.”

    Over the past five weeks, ATC 10 brought together youth from 14 African countries in intensive training, cultural exchange, and innovation challenges. Participants took part in Chinese cultural workshops, from calligraphy to lion dancing, forging bonds that went beyond technical skills.

    The event also released the ATC 10th Anniversary Corporate Social Responsibility Report, showcasing a decade of achievements under the banner “Empowering Africa, Lighting the Future.”

    Across speeches and testimonies, one message stood out: Africa’s youth are ready, but they need consistent investment, mentorship, and opportunities.

    “Do not limit your dreams, expand them. Build bridges through skills and technology. That is the key to Africa’s development.”

    As the drums and cheers faded, the legacy of ATC Season 10 became clear. This was not just an award ceremony, but a rallying call: for governments to fund skills training, for industries to embrace young innovators, and for the youth themselves to see their talent as Africa’s most valuable resource.

  • Teachers to receive salary increases by week’s end, says Education Ministry

    Teachers to receive salary increases by week’s end, says Education Ministry

    The Ministry of Education is closely monitoring the opening of the third term across schools nationwide, with field officers dispatched to evaluate the status of teaching and learning activities.

    Reports received indicate a smooth return of students, largely attributed to the recent decision by the Kenya National Union of Teachers to call off their planned strike.

    Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba highlighted the Government’s commitment to addressing teachers’ concerns.

    He confirmed that the Teachers Service Commission will distribute salary increases for July and August to all public school teachers by the end of this week.

    This payment is supported by the release of Ksh 13.5 billion from the National Treasury, in line with the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

    To further foster industrial harmony, the Government is engaged in productive discussions with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET).

    Ogamba expressed optimism that these talks will lead to KUPPET members returning to their positions, noting that the Government has fully implemented the second phase of the CBA and is addressing additional administrative issues in a consultative manner.

    On August 25, 2024, President William Ruto announced plans to recruit 20,000 additional teachers by the end of the year to address staff shortages in public schools.

    Additionally, Ksh 18.7 billion has been allocated to convert intern teachers to permanent and pensionable status, effective January 2025.

    Ogamba urged any remaining teachers who have not yet resumed work to return to their stations.

    Their presence is crucial for preparing students for national assessments and ensuring the syllabus is covered, thereby facilitating smooth transitions within the education system.

    Regarding technical and vocational education, Ogamba noted that the Ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to disburse Ksh 3.3 billion in capitation, scholarships, and loans for trainees in National Polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

    The Government is committed to ensuring these resources are distributed promptly to support the effective operation of these institutions and enhance the convenience for trainees.

  • Gov’t allocates Ksh 7.5B for new classrooms in push for Grade 9 readiness

    Gov’t allocates Ksh 7.5B for new classrooms in push for Grade 9 readiness

    The government is set to disburse Ksh 7.5 billion this week for the construction of an additional 7,500 classrooms, which are expected to be completed by December 2024.

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that significant progress has already been made in preparing for Grade 9, with 3,500 classrooms currently under construction across the country.

    “We are also finalizing the release of Ksh 3.4 billion to the NG-CDF for the construction of another 6,000 classrooms,” Ogamba said.

    Speaking on Monday at Lenana School Primary, Ogamba added that Grade 9 textbooks will begin being distributed to schools nationwide starting next month.

    “This morning, I visited several primary and junior schools in Kajiado, Machakos, and Nairobi counties. I observed school operations resuming for the third term and monitored the progress of Grade 9 classroom construction,” he said.

    The CS thanked the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) for calling off the teachers’ strike and making the decision in a timely manner, as it enabled the smooth reopening of schools.

    “I commend them for their selfless patriotism. It is critical that schools operate seamlessly this term, as students prepare for national assessments and examinations in the coming months,” said Ogamba.

    Ogamba emphasized the vital role that teachers play in the education system, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving their terms and conditions of service.

    “As a government, we are committed to bettering the welfare of teachers. We will continue to equip and build their capacity to ensure they are prepared for the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC),” he explained.

    The CS noted that resources have been allocated for implementing the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement and for retooling teachers to ensure they are CBC-ready.

    He added that issues raised by unions, such as access to medical cover, career progression, and promotions, are being addressed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

    “The government has given due priority to teachers despite competing needs and challenging economic circumstances,” Ogamba said.

    He called on the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to reconsider their stance and end their strike, citing the government’s demonstrated goodwill in addressing their concerns.

    “Last week, we disbursed Ksh 21.8 billion in capitation for primary, junior, and secondary schools. This money is now with the schools, and we expect operations to resume smoothly without disruptions,” said Ogamba.

    The CS urged school managers to use the disbursed resources prudently, stressing that these are public funds meant for the benefit of learners.

    “We are committed to ensuring that every cent disbursed is accounted for. We will take swift action against any cases of misappropriation,” he warned.

    Ogamba also stressed that no student should be sent home over unauthorized levies and instructed field officers to report any such cases for immediate action.

    He further cautioned school heads against withholding examination certificates due to unpaid fees, stating that certificates are a right for all students who sit for national examinations.

    “School heads should find other administrative means to recover fee balances without hindering students’ progress by withholding their certificates,” Ogamba added.

    The CS reassured stakeholders that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure schools are ready and conducive for learning, pledging to work with all parties to ensure efficiency in the education sector.