On 18th June 2020 NITA Kisumu played host to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Hon. Simon K. Chelugui accompanied by a team from the Ministry. This would mark the Cabinet Secretary’s inaugural visit to the Centre as he seeks to familiarize himself with various State Agencies under his Ministry.
The Cabinet Secretary began his visit with a guided tour of the workshops at the Centre that was led by the Authority’s Chairman Dr. Kamau Gachigi and Ag. Director General Mr. Stephen Ogenga, after which Hon. Chelugui and Hon. Tum planted trees.
Hon. Chelugui begun his remarks by asserting that with the right skills and orientations all youth can be great enablers of the Big Four Agenda. The Cabinet Secretary also commended the Authority’s sustained push in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 and in becoming a pillar in innovative industrial training. He made worthy note of the strides that NITA had made in the production of face masks and in the development of contactless hand washing stations.
The Cabinet Secretary also mentioned that a labour and employment response team had been established to receive and consolidate proposals for mitigating the effects of covid-19 pandemic from government, social partners, stakeholders and members of the public.
Hon. Chelugui concluded his remarks by assuring, NITA of his Ministry’s unwavering support going forward in these and more innovations as he urged all in attendance to continue adhering to the guidelines as outlined by the National Emergency Response Committee towards flattening the curve.
Representing the Kisumu County Government, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili appreciated the Authority’s efforts in championing locally produced masks and developing the contactless hand-washing stations. On his part Dr. Kamau Gachigi stated that NITA is collaborating with county governments, industries and constituencies to up-skill and re-skill workers who have lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cabinet Secretary donated masks to the Kisumu County Deputy County Commissioner who also in attendance at the event. The masks were to be issued to vulnerable and marginalized groups within Kisumu County.
