The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key pillar in empowering the youth and driving Kenya’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the first graduation ceremony of Murang’a Technical Training Institute (TTI), Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki unveiled a raft of government policies aimed at making TVET institutions more effective and responsive to market demands.
Prof Kindiki said the government has adopted a dual training policy to ensure that students are exposed to both classroom learning and practical industrial training before graduation.
Additionally, he observed, Modularisation of the TVET curriculum, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the Dual Training Policy (DTP) has been introduced in TVETs to ensure that graduands acquire market-ready skills and undergo compulsory practical industry exposure as part of their training before graduation.
“No trainee will graduate without undergoing both theoretical and industrial training. We want our young people to leave school job-ready, competitive, and innovative,” he stated.
The Deputy President further revealed that the government has already hired 2,000 TVET tutors, with plans to increase the number to 5,000 nationwide to address the shortage of trainers.
He noted that enrollment in TVET institutions has more than doubled from 297,000 to over 700,000 students in three years, and the target is to raise the enrollment to one million students in two years.
He added that the government has transitioned from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model, which allows students in senior school to concentrate on their areas of talent and career interests.
“This new approach ensures our learners are not just knowledgeable, but skilled in their chosen areas. It is about producing competent doers, not just degree holders,” he said.
Under the second phase of TVET reforms, Prof Kindiki announced that the government is supplying modern equipment to institutions to enhance training quality.
“We are increasing investment in modern infrastructure, enhancing trainer capacity, aligning courses with industrial needs and forging local and international partnerships to improve the employability of our graduates,” he added.
The Deputy President observed that the aim of the government is to increase the number of students in TVET unlike the current situation where those in universities are more than those in TVET institutions.
He also encouraged graduates to take advantage of government programmes such as the Affordable Housing Project, Kazi Majuu and online jobs which aims to employ millions of youth by 2027.
“The opportunities are here. It is now upon you, as graduates, to apply your skills and seize the government programmes designed to create jobs for you,” He noted dismissing a section of leaders who are discouraging young people on claims that there are no job opportunities.
On his part, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasised the importance of investing in the TVET sector, saying it is the backbone of industrialisation and economic growth.
“TVET is the sector that will industrialize Kenya. By expanding access, we are preparing a new generation of workers and innovators who will build this nation,” said the CS.
Murang’a TTI Principal, Mr Robin Wachira, aligned his remarks with the national agenda, noting that the institute’s growth is a reflection of the government’s larger vision for TVET.
He said the pioneer graduates are not just a symbol of the institution’s success but also proof that investment in vocational training is yielding results.
“We began with limited resources but a powerful vision: to empower our youth through technical training. Today, we have built facilities, acquired equipment, and produced graduates ready to contribute to the economy.
“This graduation is not only our success as an institution but also a demonstration of how TVET can transform Kenya’s future,” Mr Wachira said.
The Principal thanked the Ministry of Education, the Board of Governors, staff, and parents for supporting the pioneer class and emphasized that Murang’a TTI would continue expanding programmes and building industry partnerships to prepare graduates who can drive Kenya’s economic growth.
With the government’s new policy direction, expanded investment, and institutional growth, TVET is poised to play a decisive role in shaping Kenya’s youth empowerment and long-term economic resilience.
By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo
