How NCA and Kisii Woman Rep Office Empowered Construction Workers

By Elizabeth Angira 

Worth Noting:

• For 35-year-old James Oira, who has been working in construction for over a decade, the training was a game-changer.
• “Before the training, I relied on experience alone, but now I understand site planning, safety measures, and even contract negotiations,” he said.
• With his new certification, Oira has secured a supervisory role at a local construction firm, earning double his previous income.
• Similarly, Agnes Moraa, a mother of three and one of the few female workers in the program, shared how the training boosted her confidence.
• “Many women shy away from construction work, thinking it’s a man’s job. This training proved that we, too, could excel. I have since started my own small masonry business and even employed two young men,” she says.

Kisii County’s construction sector is experiencing a transformation, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by the National Construction Authority (NCA) in collaboration with the Kisii County Woman Representative’s office.

Through a series of intensive training programs, site supervisors and construction workers have gained vital skills that are not only improving the quality of their work but also elevating their livelihoods.

For 35-year-old James Oira, who has been working in construction for over a decade, the training was a game-changer.

“Before the training, I relied on experience alone, but now I understand site planning, safety measures, and even contract negotiations,” he said.

With his new certification, Oira has secured a supervisory role at a local construction firm, earning double his previous income.

Similarly, Agnes Moraa, a mother of three and one of the few female workers in the program, shared how the training boosted her confidence.

“Many women shy away from construction work, thinking it’s a man’s job. This training proved that we, too, could excel. I have since started my own small masonry business and even employed two young men,” she says.

Construction Workers Trained and Accredited in Kisii County

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance the quality of construction work in Kisii County, the NCA, in collaboration with the Kisii County Woman Representative ‘s  Office, has successfully trained site supervisors and construction workers from nine constituencies.

The program is designed to equip participants with modern construction skills, improve compliance with safety regulations, and promote professionalism in the industry.

The training, conducted over several weeks, focused on key areas such as construction safety, site management, technical skills, and adherence to building codes and standards.

Participants were also sensitized on sustainable building practices, aligning their work with global environmental conservation efforts.

Bridging the Skills Gap

For years, construction workers in Kisii County faced numerous challenges, including a lack of formal training, safety concerns, and limited knowledge of modern building techniques.

Many worked as casual laborers with no certification, making it difficult to secure well-paying jobs or compete in an increasingly competitive market.

For 26 years, Nyabuto Oirere has been repairing clothes in South Mugirango without official accreditation.

The lack of certification has hindered his ability to expand his business beyond his locality, limiting networking and growth opportunities.

However, thanks to a new initiative, Oirere’s life is set to change dramatically.

He lauded the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the Kisii County Woman Representative’s Office for stepping in to provide crucial training and accreditation, emphasizing those such programs open doors for artisans and craftsmen.

Encouraging the younger generation, he urged them to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, citing their immense impact amid a dwindling supply of white-collar jobs.

Leaders Highlight the Importance of Skilled Labor

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Kisii Town, Kisii County Woman Representative Doris Donya emphasized the significance of empowering construction workers.

“This initiative is not only about enhancing skills but also about ensuring that our workers and supervisors can deliver quality projects that meet national standards. Skilled labor is key to fostering development and reducing cases of collapsing buildings,” she says.

Nancy Mirigo, Assistant Manager for Training and Capacity Building at NCA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving the construction sector by addressing skills gaps.

“Through this training, we are not only building capacities but also creating a pathway for workers to access certification, which will boost their employability and credibility in the industry,” she notes.

Participants Hail the Initiative as a Game-Changer

Many participants expressed their gratitude for the program, calling it a transformative opportunity.

John Mokua, a site supervisor, shared how the training has equipped him with critical skills in safety measures and site management, which he can immediately apply to his work.

“This training has opened new doors for me,” he says.

Similarly, Fred Onsoti, an electrician, highlighted the value of accreditation in expanding job opportunities beyond Kenya’s borders.

“Failing to join university is not the end of education. These courses enhance skills, and at the end of the day, it’s all about earning a living and putting food on the table,” Onsoti remarked, encouraging youths to take advantage of such programs.

Future Expansion and Economic Impact

The initiative is expected to create a ripple effect on the local economy, as well-trained construction workers and supervisors contribute to safer and more efficient projects.

Donya emphasized that the acquired skills will enable participants to compete for jobs beyond Kisii County, broadening their opportunities.

She also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving development, noting that collaboration between the NCA and her office has set a strong precedent.

Mirigo revealed that plans are underway to expand the program to other counties to further enhance professional standards in Kenya’s construction sector.

Donya says that, as Kisii County continues to embrace skills development, the future looks promising for artisans, craftsmen, and construction workers seeking to elevate their careers through accreditation and training.