WorldSkills Africa Competition begins in Namibia

Pomp and colour painted the launch of WorldSkills Africa competition that kicked off on Monday in Swakopmund, Namibia. [Emmanuel Too, Standard]

Pomp and colour painted the launch of WorldSkills Africa competition that kicked off on Monday in Swakopmund, Namibia.

Team Kenya which is also gunning for the lucrative deal that comes with winning the coveted prize, made a grand entry into the auditorium, with applause and a standing ovation from the audience in attendance.

Nine countries are battling it out, in 16 skills categories, during the contest that runs for the next 6 days. 

Kenya which is participating for the first time since the launch of the event is represented by four young brilliant minds, in the Teaching and Vocational Training Education TVET industry, under the tutelage of the TVET Authority Director General and CEO of WorldSkills Kenya Dr Kipkirui Lang'at.

"This event is to showcase competence acquisition. It is based on industry occupational standards and we bring the youth here to test and confirm their ability, " said the TVET boss.

The Kenyan delegation is represented by about 30 observers, drawn from different departments and four youth who will be competing.

Those in the ring include Mr Joseph Kiarie and Mr Shradha Shah (Resta Services), both from Boma International Hospitality College.

The others Victoria Wambui and Mr Maxwell Magoi will compete in the Mechatronics skills area.

Dr Lang'at however says winning the title is not the only target at the moment, as Kenya makes a debut entry into the competition.

"Our main objective is to learn. We are the youngest members of the World Skills being the 84th out of 85 members of the global organization. Currently, Kazakhstan is the 85th member, " he added. 

The first World Skills Africa competition was held in Rwanda in 2018. The global one will be held in October in Shanghai, China.

"The competition's main goal is to achieve personal development, allowing individuals gainful employment, socio-economic development of a country and improving skilled workforce that leads to a cohesive society, " noted Dr Lang'at.

The event which was attended by senior government officials from Africa and beyond was officially opened by Namibia's Vice President Dr Nangolo Mbumba.