By Kelvin Sang, Eldoret
The government is focused in enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to address the unemployment issue and graduates from the technical institutions to drive economic growth of the country, the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has said.
At the Principals’ quarterly meeting held at Eldoret National Polytechnic, Ogamba stressed the importance of equipping youth with practical skills that align with market demands.
Ogamba, in his address, he cited the achievements in the use of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) as having 188 Occupational Standards harmonized and 8,724 trainers trained in CBET approach.
However, he emphasized the need for greater industry investment in workplace training and assessment to prepare graduates with skills that are relevant to the labor market needs.
The CS revealed ongoing collaborations with international development partners such as the ILO, UNESCO, and GIZ to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) into TVET training. “Digitalization will expand access, enhance training quality, and make learning delivery more contemporary,” he stated, calling on institutions to develop programs that can be virtualized and equip trainers with digital teaching skills.
“We look to you to drive CBET implementation, harmonize Green TVET, enhance governance, and enhance access to technical training. Kenya’s workforce future is at stake,” ~ CS Ogamba
Ogamba welcomed the growth in TVET student intakes to approximately 700,000. He called on principals to market their courses aggressively, targeting the 962,512 students who wrote the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
He also appreciated the Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) for opening its portal for TVET intakes and called on institutions to utilize it to the fullest.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainability, the CS reported that over 737,976 trees were planted in 140 institutions, and several TVET centers have ventured into renewable energy projects such as solar appliances and biogas production. The ministry is aiming at the transition of at least 50 TVET institutions to clean energy sources.
To improve student happiness, Ogamba said the Ministry is collaborating with the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) to provide affordable and secure accommodation for trainees.
The success of the Kenyan labor mobility programme, in which 631 TVET graduates secured seasonal work in the UK, was also noted. Further collaborations with Belgium and Germany are in progress to increase foreign employment opportunities, such as German language certification for the trainees.
The CS urged TVET institutions to form Business Development Units (BDUs) and bankable projects in a bid to become financially autonomous and less reliant on government subsidies. He further urged integrity and professionalism in leadership, requesting principals to encourage teamwork and inclusiveness.
As the government looks for more cooperation with China to fund TVET, the CS called on all stakeholders to embrace reforms and maintain TVET as the driver of Kenya’s skills revolution.
“We look to you to drive CBET implementation, harmonize Green TVET, enhance governance, and enhance access to technical training. Kenya’s workforce future is at stake,” Ogamba stated.
