The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Labour and Skills Development, Hon. Shadrack Mwadime, has officially launched the April 2025 National Government Trade Test Series at Dzitsoni Vocational Training Center in Kilifi County.

The nationwide exercise will see over 21,000 candidates assessed in various trades across 583 centers countrywide.

Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, PS Mwadime urged Kenyans, particularly the youth, to embrace vocational training, terming it a gateway to enhanced employability and improved livelihoods. He also cautioned young people against drug abuse, warning that it could jeopardize their opportunities to access international labour markets.

NITA Board Chair, Hon. Aden Noor Ali, who also attended the event, encouraged individuals with technical skills but lacking formal certification to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offered by NITA to get certified.

NITA Ag. Director General, Ms. Theresa Wasike, who led the Authority’s management and staff during the event, announced that the Authority is this year marking 100 years of enhancing and regulating industrial training and skills development in Kenya. She thanked stakeholders and partners for their invaluable contribution to this historic milestone.

During the launch, over 30 candidates from Dzitsoni VTC who sat for the August 2024 Trade Test Series were presented with their Trade Test certificates.

Other dignitaries present included Kilifi Member of Parliament, Hon. Ken Chonga; NITA Board Member, Dr. Rachel Monyoncho; NITA Directors Madam Jane Kamau (Industrial Training) and Mr. Gerald Kirimi (Corporate Services) and Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Education and ICT Felkin Kaingu Dena.