TVETs are critical in Kenya’s industrialisation agenda - CS

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has said TVETs will play a critical role in the realisation of Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.

In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for TVETs Dr Esther Muoria, Machogu said this would be achieved by implementing the Competency Based Education Training curriculum and dual training in TVETs.

CBET focuses on 50 per cent training in class and 50 per cent in the industry.

 “This is to ensure that all youth graduating from TVET institutions are absolutely trained and equipped with industrial skills in order to venture in employment or entrepreneurship,” the CS said.

On the other hand, the dual training model provides that trainees are admitted jointly by the industry and the institution, with 50 per cent of training done in class while 50 per cent is practical.

“CBET and dual training are angled at equipping TVET trainees with absolute industrial skills which I am confident will enable them to be fully competent and excel in the employment and entrepreneurship world,” he said.

The CS's remarks were made during the 5th graduation ceremony for the Kenya National Coast Polytechnic in Mombasa. 

Some 1,071 students graduated in different fields from the over 50 courses offered in Polytechnic’s 10 academic departments.

The government on March 22 launched the Recognition of Prior Learning policy framework, which is one of the TVET's milestones.

RPL gives Kenyans with skills gained from the formal and informal sector a chance to attain certification.

“RPL is a tool for inclusion that will bring all Kenyans regardless of how they gained the skills they possess to the ecosystem of qualifications,” he said.

TVET trainees will also benefit from the implementation of the Affordable Housing Project and the County Aggregation Industrial Parks. 

AHP and CAIPS, he said, will double up as training grounds for TVET trainees as well as RPL assessment centres for skilled but uncertified Kenyans.

To realise the government's digital super highway and creative economy agenda, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Jitume Labs will be distributed to TVETs across the country.

“This initiative is timely because many trainees who will go through the trainings will have an opportunity to access online jobs and this will improve their financial status,” he said.

PS Muoria reiterated that the adaptation of CBET in TVETs will produce competitive graduates.

“This model focuses on developing competence that are directly applicable to the workplace ensuring that graduates possess skills that meet market demand by imparting practical skills, problem-solving ability and adaptability geared towards producing all-round TVET graduates who  give valuable contribution to the development of our nation,” Muoria said.

The state department for TVETs is working with development partners, the private sector, MSMES and various government agencies in developing the dual training policy, which is in its final stages.

“This is envisioned to be a big win for Kenya because it will solve the challenge of mismatch between skills supply and market demand,” the PS said.

Dual training, through collaboration with GIZ – Kenya, is being implemented in 33 TVETs and expected to gradually roll out in all institutions.

To improve quality of training and service delivery, the government had recruited 1,300 technical trainers, and would hire another 2,000 by the end of this financial year.

Mary Muthoka, the polytechnic's chief principal, lauded the government for transforming the TVET sector, saying the country has witnessed positive reforms and growth under the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

Key among them are the shift to CBET and the introduction of dual training.the Star, Star newspaper, the Star Kenya, Kenya news, Star, star newspaper Kenya, star news, the star newspaper, star news Kenya,

“I am delighted to inform you that KCNP transitioned to CBET from September 2023," Muthoka said.