CS Machogu urges more students to pursue nursing
Education
By
Mary Imenza
| Nov 16, 2023
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has called on students joining the University to enroll in nursing courses.
Addressing students of the Kenya Medical Training College Teso Campus in Teso North on November 16, the CS said that nursing courses are lucrative and can give one opportunity to work overseas.
He urged students saying that Kenya has signed deals with selected foreign countries to export medical practitioners.
"Kenya's unemployment rate is still high as the majority of the youth are jobless,"said Machogu.
According to the Statistics market forecast the unemployment rate in the country stands at 5.4 per cent in 2023.
"If you perform well in your nursing and other related courses you stand a high chance of working abroad. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, and other well-established countries are looking to employ Kenyan professionals,"said Machogu.
His remarks are in line with the government's plans to fight unemployment and also avail opportunities for Kenyan employees to earn better pay and invest back home.
As an assurance, Kenya has so far signed a deal to export nurses and midwives to the UK and Saudi Arabia and the nurses earn approximately Sh450,000 a month.
This year On August 21, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha flagged off a second cohort of Kenyan nurses to the UK on a bilateral labour agreement.
This was after the government announced a deal for exportation to Saudi Arabia.
Nakhumicha further showed appreciation to the nurses who have embraced the opportunity to not only go and serve in the United Kingdom but also take the country to a great work ethic miles away from home.
"The Bilateral Labour Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom exemplifies the strength and benefits of international collaboration and partnerships," Nakhumicha said in her speech.
The exchange, according to the CS offers an opportunity for increased skills and knowledge in the field of healthcare, while creating a stronger bond between the two nations.
Additionally, the government on July 11, announced that nurses and midwives interested in working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were free to submit their applications.
Machogu said President William Ruto's decision to open employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad is aimed at fulfilling his campaign pledges of creating job opportunities for youth.
He also said that the government will continue supporting tertiary education with the aim of creating a large figure of professionals.