Mediamax Networks Ltd is collaborating with institutions of higher learning in a bid to promote youth-related programmes and prepare students for the job market.

The media group’s Chief Executive Ken Ngaruiya said apart from internships for trainees, there are newly introduced programmes for the youth meant to prepare them as they leave college and look for jobs or get self-employed.

 He was speaking during a forum organised by Mediamax, the owner of K24 TV, Kameme TV, Kameme FM and People Daily among other channels, for various education institutions of higher learning held in Ruiru, Kiambu county.

“Education being one of the key pillars of society, we had organised a forum with players in the education sector so that we could understand their current challenges and know how we can cooperate to ensure that they communicate with their potential consumers and customers and hence develop plans that work for all,” said Ngaruiya.

Besides, the CEO said there are youth-tailored shows in TV and radio stations that have been given more time, particularly in Kameme and Milele FM whose content favours the youth.

Minnie Gachina of Zetech University said the collaboration with the media house was beneficial to students as there is exchange of information on employment needs in the market and entrepreneurial requirements.

“By partnering with the media, we are ensuring that our students are well prepared for the industry so that they are able to articulate the changes in the industry and learn about new things in the market including robotics,” said Ms Gachina.

A director of Lake Naivasha Institute Francis Mwangi also welcomed the collaboration which he said will go a long way in opening opportunities for the young in colleges.

At the same time, he appealed to the government to involve institutions of higher learning in the war on drug and alcohol addiction which he said is a big threat to the youth.

“Drug and alcohol abuse is threatening the future of our country. We appreciate what the government is doing to combat the menace but it would be more fruitful if players in the education sector are involved,” said Mwangi

He also suggested that local education institutions should be allowed to offer lessons in French for the Kenyan peacekeepers going to Haiti to enable them to communicate effectively with locals.