PS Urges Students to Embrace Industry Skills as Kenyatta University Hosts 19th Career Week
Kenyatta University students attending the 19th Career week at Amphitheatre on Tuesday at Kenyatta University.Photo Courtesy :Jarred Ombagi:MITI.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, has challenged university students to seize emerging opportunities in industry and technology, saying the progress of the nation depends on how each generation responds to the demands of its time.
Speaking during the 19th Career Week at Kenyatta University (KU) on Tuesday, Mukhwana said education must go beyond certificates to prepare young people for real-world challenges.
“Education is not simply about papers. It is about the transformation of individuals, communities, and ultimately the nation,” he said.
The week-long programme brings together students, employers, and professionals to expose learners to career pathways, labour market expectations, and practical skills needed to succeed after graduation.
Mukhwana urged students to be bold and innovative, noting that industries are rapidly evolving due to automation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.
“Skills are changing every day. Beyond the classroom, students must acquire new competencies in areas like artificial intelligence, software engineering, networking, and automation so they can keep pace with the real world,” he said.
He dismissed the perception that manufacturing in Kenya is struggling, describing it as one of the fastest-growing sectors and a major source of employment.
“Manufacturing is the second-largest employer after government. Every week, two to three new factories are being set up. Do not be fooled by the noise there are many opportunities,” Mukhwana said.
He cited the completion of a county aggregation and industrial park in Kirinyaga, which attracted 68 applications for just eight factory spaces, as evidence of growing investor confidence in the sector. Manufacturing currently contributes nearly 10 per cent of Kenya’s GDP, with even greater potential for expansion, he added.
The PS also praised Kenyatta University for strengthening university industry linkages, saying the partnerships help align training with market needs and support job creation and entrepreneurship.
“This is how we ensure graduates are not only job seekers, but job creators,” he said.
Kenyatta University Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu said the institution is focused on linking creativity with practical skills to better prepare students for the world of work.
“Career Week is a space where disciplinary knowledge and industry practice converge to create insights beyond a standard career fair,” he said.
The university is encouraging students to explore emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital finance, climate innovation, and the creative economy, which are reshaping the job market.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Waceke Wanjohi said KU’s employability-focused reforms are already bearing fruit.
“Following the comprehensive curriculum review in 2024, 21 per cent of our graduates secured employment within one month of graduation,” she said, adding that the university continues to invest in strategies that enhance competitiveness and career readiness.
The annual Career Week serves as a platform for students to engage with industry leaders, align their expectations with labour market realities, and gain the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
