COUNTY TO PARTNER WITH HOTELIERS IN UTILIZING COUNTY POLYTECHNICS GRADUANDS

Kakamega County CECM for Education, Science and Technology Dr. George Akolo Lutomia, Friday held a day long workshop with leaders from the Hotel Industry in the County to discuss mutual relationship between the hospitality providers and the County Government.

Dr. Lutomia who appreciated the Chairperson Kakamega County Hoteliers Association Rev. William Owuya for proper coordination of the association said the Government pumps a lot of money into all the 63 County Polytechnics to enable them acquire necessary tools and equipment for students to carry out their practicals during the subsidised training.

“We have a lot of potential in our polytechnics for you to exploit before the international market realises what we can offer as a County; All the Departments ranging from Beauty & Body Therapy, Fashion & Design, Masonry, Plumbing, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Carpentry, Agriculture, among others, are producing competent individuals ready to serve with an excellent professional touch,” Dr. Lutomia said.

The CECM informed the Principals of Polytechnics, who were in attendance, that plans are underway by the Government to confirm officers, serving in the Ministry in acting capacity for a period exceeding six months, on permanent terms.

“H.E Governor Dr. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has also directed me to ensure the salaries of Principals and Instructors are reviewed upward guided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regulations,” he added.

Chief Officer Dr. Irene Ashioya challenged the Polytechnic heads to focus on revenue generating activities and programs for self reliance. She thanked the Hoteliers for their continued support of the institutions by offering opportunities for industrial attachments, internships and employment to students.

The hoteliers through their Chairman Rev. William Owuya stated their willingness to partner with the Government by absorbing the students upon successful completion of their trainings. They registered their readiness to mentor the learners during class work as well as while on employment.

The County Polytechnics Director Dr. Chrispinus Wamalwa requested the hoteliers to organise benchmarking programs for students in their regions.

During the workshop, it was revealed that some County Polytechnics have won tenders to supply snacks, uniforms and furniture to parastatals and learning institutions including institutions of higher learning.