Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo today officially launched the much-anticipated upskilling and accreditation program for supervisors and skilled workers at Matayos Polytechnic. The initiative, in partnership with the National Construction Authority (NCA), aims to empower local artisans from Matayos and Butula Constituencies with the necessary qualifications to access better employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The week-long program is designed to equip skilled workers with formal accreditation, enhancing their capacity to meet the growing demands of the construction industry and broader labor markets. The initiative also aligns with Omanyo’s commitment to uplifting women and youth through education and skills development, fostering inclusive economic growth in Busia County and beyond.
“We are here today to empower our local artisans and ensure they are properly recognized for their skills. This upskilling program is about more than just certificates; it’s about providing our people with the tools they need to secure better opportunities and contribute to national development,” said Omanyo in her opening remarks. “Our local artisans play a crucial role in the growth of our communities, and it is our duty to ensure that they are equipped with the qualifications and recognition they deserve.”
The program will roll out across Busia County, starting at Matayos Polytechnic, where it is primarily targeting beneficiaries from Matayos and Butula Constituencies. As part of the accreditation process, the program will continue this week at the following locations:
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Wednesday, May 28th: Katakwa Polytechnic, Teso North Constituency.
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Thursday, May 29th: Nambale Polytechnic, for Teso South and Nambale Constituencies.
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Friday, May 30th: Buburi Polytechnic, for Budalangi and Funyula Constituencies.
Omanyo expressed her gratitude to the National Construction Authority (NCA) for its continued support in making this program a reality. She specifically acknowledged the presence and contributions of key members of the NCA team, including Dr. Chrispus Ndinyo, General Manager – Construction Research, Business Development, and Capacity Building; Eng. Raymond Karani, Manager – Registration and Compliance; and Samson Lukoba, Manager – Legal Department, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the success of the initiative.
“The collaboration with the NCA is essential to the success of this program. Their experience and technical support ensure that we are not just giving our artisans temporary skills, but helping them gain the qualifications needed to thrive in an evolving job market,” Omanyo added.
The accreditation program is expected to have far-reaching effects on the local community, particularly women and youth, who often face barriers to formal employment in the construction and skilled labor sectors. By formally recognizing the capabilities of local artisans, the program aims to open doors to broader economic opportunities and enable individuals to secure better wages and working conditions.
Local artisans expressed excitement about the opportunity to gain accreditation, with many highlighting the value of formal recognition for their work.
“I have been working as a mason for many years, but I’ve never had the official qualification. This program will allow me to show my skills to a wider audience and open up new opportunities for me and my colleagues,” said Peter, a local artisan from Matayos.
With the successful launch of the upskilling and accreditation program, Representative Omanyo’s commitment to promoting education, skills development, and economic empowerment in Busia County is clearer than ever. As the program continues to unfold, many hope it will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions of the country.
Stay tuned for more updates on the accreditation program and its impact on local artisans in Busia County.
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