More than 50 employers drawn from Kenya’s floriculture and tea sectors convened in Naivasha for a consultative meeting on the roll-out of two specialized training curricula, Floriculture and Mechanical Tea Harvesting (MTI) developed to address the growing skills demand in the agricultural sector.
The event, held at Mwanzo Lodge, Flower Business Park, Naivasha, was a collaborative effort between the Agricultural Employers’ Association (AEA) and the Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA). The session was facilitated by a team from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) led by Ms. Jane Kamau and Mr. Peter Njiru, who guided members through the two curricula and discussed the action and rollout plan for their implementation.
In his opening remarks, AEA Chairman Mr. Kirimi Mpungu highlighted the Association’s commitment to skills development and the importance of aligning training with the evolving needs of the agricultural industry. He emphasized the role of partnerships in strengthening workforce competitiveness and sustaining productivity within the sector.
AEA and KTGA Chief Executive Officers Mr. Wesley Siele and Ms. Lindah Oluoch echoed the Chairman’s sentiments, reaffirming the relevance of the curricula and their potential to enhance the quality and productivity of the agricultural workforce.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the NITA Director General, Ms. Jane Kamau commended stakeholders in the agriculture sector for their continued collaboration and confidence in the Authority’s mandate. She recognized the vital contribution of employers in driving Kenya’s economy through job creation and food security.
The Floriculture Curriculum focuses on regulating training and certification while equipping workers with modern knowledge and competencies to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven industry. On the other hand, the Mechanical Tea Harvesting (MTI) Curriculum aims to build the capacities of operational-level workers in areas such as machine maintenance, teamwork and efficiency.
While MTI training is expected to reduce harvesting time and enhance productivity in tea farming, the Floriculture Curriculum will empower employees to become more productive, innovative and aligned with industry standards ultimately strengthening Kenya’s position as a global leader in agricultural excellence.