Tatu City readies Kiambu residents for the construction industry

Kiambu DG James Nyoro and Tatu City country director Nick Langford during the launch of Tatu City Training Academy yesterday

Tatu city has officially commissioned an academy that will enhance life skills among the youth in Kiambu County by offering classroom and practical training to complement efforts by 30 polytechnics in the region.

The Tatu City Training Academy, that has already trained 75 technicians in masonry, plasterwork, tiling and plumbing, will provide a “hands-on training” know-how that can be tapped within the mixed development.

Speaking during the official opening of the institution, Tatu City country director Nick Langford yesterday said the academy will expand the programmes to enhance pool of electricians, plumbers and painters within the county.

“The Academy was founded in response to the wishes of local residents to acquire skills relevant to the construction industry and find employment near their homes,” he said.

Upon completion after a six-week course the graduates will receive certificates validated by the National Construction Authority.

So far, 85% of those who have benefited from the training are working with contractors in Tatu City.

Langford said all contractors working in Tatu City are required to hire from the local community. 

Currently, about 2,000 workers are employed by Tatu City and contractors to build schools, apartments, warehouses and factories.

Kiambu County Deputy Governor, James Nyoro lauded the initiative calling it a testimony of long-term commitment to residents of the county.

“There is need to introduce professionalism in the “blue collar” industry. Similar initiatives were common in the 1980s when plumbers and masons used to get training before practicing,” he said.

Nyoro urged investors to give 70% of the jobs to residents. He said employment is the biggest challenge facing the community.

According to a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), released in March 2018, seven million Kenyans are currently unemployed. With the fast pace of development at Tatu City, the demand for skilled workers is increasing and the graduates are readily absorbed into the project by contractors.