Cabinet Secretary for Education Dr. Julius Ogamba has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
He said ongoing reforms are aimed at expanding enrolment, improving funding, boosting staffing levels and modernising training institutions across the country.
Speaking during the 20th Graduation Ceremony at The Eldoret National Polytechnic in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Ogamba said the Ministry is working toward enrolling two million trainees into TVET institutions by the end of 2026.
“As of June this year, enrolment stood at approximately 700,000 and the numbers are steadily rising,” he said.
He also highlighted the government’s progress in addressing the long-standing shortage of trainers in the TVET sector.
He revealed that nearly 6,000 trainers were employed this year, raising the total number to about 9,000.
“A further 5,800 trainers have been approved for recruitment in the current financial year, with 2,000 set to be hired in March and the rest in June,” he said.
Ogamba emphasised the government’s dedication to providing competency-based and industry-aligned training through initiatives such as the modular curriculum, the Competency-Based Education and Training framework, Recognition of Prior Learning, and the Dual Training Policy.
“Partnerships between TVET institutions and industry are no longer optional but essential,” he said.
As part of wider reforms, the Ministry is expanding access to quality training by constructing and equipping more institutions.
Ogamba noted that a new agreement with partners from China will see 70 TVET institutions across the country supplied with modern equipment.
He also assured stakeholders that stalled infrastructure projects, including the polytechnic’s four-year-old library, will be completed.
Additionally, he confirmed that construction of more than 1,000 hostel beds, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, will begin soon.
The CS said that in the latest budget cycle, the government allocated Sh29 billion to the TVET subsector as part of efforts to support skills development and youth empowerment, with Ogamba adding that institutions will receive Sh2 billion from the Higher Education Loans Board by the end of this week to support their operations.
The CS acknowledged that the sector had recently faced financial challenges due to delays in the release of funds from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the National Treasury, noting that the funds were finally released late last week.
“The Ministry expects the funds to reflect in its accounts by today,” he stated, adding that Sh 2 billion will be disbursed to the TVET sector and Sh 7 billion to universities by the end of the week.
Ogamba commended The Eldoret National Polytechnic for its contribution to Kenya’s technical workforce over the past 40 years, describing its impact as “indeed worth celebrating”.
He noted that the institution has played a key role in producing skilled artisans, technicians, technologists and innovators who continue to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
Addressing the graduating Class of 2025, the CS urged them to be proactive and innovative. “Do not simply wait for employment. Be innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers who drive Kenya’s growth,” he advised.
Ogamba further called on all Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions to continue repositioning themselves to deliver quality and industry-relevant training.
“Let us ensure that every learner graduates with a skill, every skill creates value and every dream has a chance to flourish,” he said.
By Fredrick Maritim
