Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have recorded strong performance in governance, training delivery and management, even as a national quality audit identifies persistent gaps in trainer licensing, infrastructure and institutional systems.
The findings were highlighted during a two-day Stakeholders’ Engagement and Dissemination Forum on the 2024/2025 TVET Quality Audit Report held in Voi, where education stakeholders discussed measures to improve training quality, accountability and institutional performance across the sector.
The comprehensive audit, conducted by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) between 2024 and 2025, assessed 354 TVET institutions across 29 counties, including National Polytechnics, Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
The audit evaluated performance in leadership, management and governance, physical resources, human resources, training delivery, programme evaluation, trainee support, innovation, research and cooperation.
National Polytechnics recorded the highest overall performance with a mean score of 78 per cent, followed by public TVCs at 65 per cent and private TVCs at 51 per cent.
However, the audit also identified significant capacity gaps. Only 12 percent of trainers in National Polytechnics were licensed by TVETA, compared to 17 per cent in public TVCs and three per cent in private TVCs.
The report further found that 32 per cent of National Polytechnics lacked suitable workshops for some programmes, while 29 per cent of public TVCs lacked adequate workshops and 27 per cent did not have sufficient training equipment.
Although 99 per cent of trainers in public TVCs met the minimum qualifications, only 17 per cent were licensed.
Among Vocational Training Centres, physical resources recorded a mean performance of 62 per cent, training delivery 55 per cent and leadership, management and governance 47 per cent. Innovation, entrepreneurship and cooperation emerged as the weakest areas, recording only 23 per cent.
The audit also identified weaknesses in internal quality assurance systems, trainee support services and innovation structures, with many VTCs lacking fully operational quality assurance units.
Speaking during the forum, TVET Secretary Joseph Njau said quality audits play a critical role in driving continuous improvement and ensuring institutions maintain standards that meet labour market demands.
Njau said the government is implementing reforms aimed at making Kenya’s TVET sector more industry-driven, responsive and globally competitive.
“The audit findings provide an opportunity for institutions and stakeholders to strengthen systems, improve accountability and enhance the quality of training,” he said.
Participants called for clearer institutional demarcation between National Polytechnics and VTCs to streamline learner progression and reduce duplication within the training system.
Charity Mugo, Principal of Kirinyaga Technical and Vocational College, said some institutions continue to struggle with low student enrolment, limiting their ability to mobilise resources and sustain operations.
She noted that frequent curriculum changes under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework require institutions to continually adapt their training systems and resources.
Taita Taveta Technical and Vocational College instructor, Angeline Kilonzo, said successful implementation of CBET programmes depends on adequate workshops, modern equipment and sustained professional development for instructors.
She added that disparities in funding continue to affect the capacity of institutions to deliver quality training.
Taita Taveta County Executive Committee Member for Education, Gloriah Monikombo, expressed confidence that the forum’s recommendations will strengthen governance, improve training standards and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth.
The audit recommends accelerated licensing of trainers, accreditation of programmes, increased investment in training infrastructure and stronger internal quality assurance systems across TVET institutions.
By Arnold Linga Masila
