GEA doing well to change views on employment, says bank CEO
The days of educated young people graduating into white collar jobs are long gone. Arming young people with job creation and leadership skills as well as preparing them for life-long learning are a necessity in today’s world.
Dr David Thuku, Family Bank chief executive officer and chief guest
So argues Family Bank managing director and chief executive Dr David Thuku, who asserts that “these are the qualities that will positively impact our communities, our country and the world at large”.
Dr Thuku was the chief guest at the commissioning of the second cohort of Mount Kenya University’s (MKU’s) Graduate Enterprise Academy (GEA) at the institution’s main campus in Thika. The event was held on 27 April. “I’m greatly encouraged to note that the knowledge and skills they acquired are being put to some good use in the different business ventures they chose to pursue,” he said of the GEA beneficiaries.
He noted that GEA was created to nurture graduates who have set up business ventures and require the skills and networks necessary to weather the initial, usually stormy, stages of business.
Dr Thuku said he was most impressed with the progress the Academy had made in the past two years, adding that he believed it was on course to redefining the societal narrative around employment.
“This great programme produces graduates who go out to create employment,” he stressed. Dr Thuku praised lecturers for having done their utmost to help the apprentices by instructing, encouraging and motivating them. He also had a kind word for parents for having provided enabling environments at home to the budding entrepreneurs, in addition to material and moral support.
Dr Thuku had had the opportunity to mentor the first cohort of the apprentices when they were admitted in 2014. He even participated at their graduation. He is thus well acquainted with GEA.
“The Academy has prepared you not just on the academic front, but also to play your part in helping communities improve their quality of life. This is a quality that you must build on,” he reminded the 14 apprentices.
The Family Bank CEO urged the young people to acquire the right attitude and choose role models who are morally upright and individuals whose claim to fame is hard work and genuine pursuit for success in the areas of business, governance and leadership.
“This country needs your positive input and hence you must at every stage of your life play your part in positively impacting humanity through your words and deeds,” said Dr Thuku, a long-time friend
