Tuskys Supermarkets on Friday launched a Sh150 million internship programme expected to prepare 7,500 graduates for the job market.
Tuskys chairman John Kago said the programme was aimed at preparing the youth for the job market, which has for years lamented the supposed lack of “skilled and experienced” graduates.
“Every Kenyan leader in politics or private business must stop complaining and equip young people with essential skills that contribute to nation-building. The improved security in our country, liberalization of the economy as well as a conducive business environment has enabled us to expand to the current 58 stores in Kenya and Uganda employing 6,000 people,” said Dr John Kago during the launch.
Tuskys Chief Operating Officer Peter Leparachau said the company would absorb 60 per cent of the interns upon completion of the six-month programme.
The project aims to provide retail operators with skilled manpower rather than continue relying on the costly on-the-job training approach.
Mr Daniel Gathua, Tuskys CEO, welcomed the project, saying there was an urgent need in Kenya to create job opportunities for the youth.
He said time had come for Kenyan companies to expand beyond the borders to create employment for Kenyans and ready markets for local products.
Mr Gathua called for close ties between the private sector and academia to ensure graduates get internship programmes as well as relevant market skills.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed urged companies to offer graduates practical training and expressed optimism that the government’s internship programme, which currently benefits 35,000 students, would rise to serve 100,000.
“The government has created incentives for companies offering internships and the youthful population will continue being at the core of government programmes to help them acquire relevant skills,” added Mohamed.
Tuskys has partnered with the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Utalii College, Technical University of Kenya, National Youth Service and Artemis Outsourcing Limited, among other tertiary institutions, to make the programme a success.