The national government’s Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (KCATS) policy is set to significantly expand opportunities for learners across the country.
The policy will enable the accumulation, recognition, and transfer of academic and technical credits across vocational institutions and universities.
The comprehensive framework is designed to enhance progression pathways, support lifelong learning and provide structured channels for students to advance from artisan and certificate levels to diploma and degree qualifications without losing previously acquired credits.
The policy, developed under the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and aligned with the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF), seeks to remove longstanding barriers that have hindered students from transitioning smoothly between different levels of education.
Speaking during the second joint graduation ceremony for Kericho Vocational Training Centres held at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Kericho, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Dr Esther Thaara Muoria said KCATS represents a major shift towards a more flexible, inclusive and skills-responsive education system.
Dr Muoria noted that under the framework, every skill gained in classroom workshops, community training facilities or industry placements will be formally recognised as part of a structured national qualification pathway.
“This means that learners can progressively build on their competencies in a meaningful way, whether they are moving from artisan to certificate level or advancing to diploma and degree qualifications,” she said.
She further highlighted the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component of the policy as a landmark reform that will formally certify individuals who have acquired valuable skills outside the traditional classroom.
Dr Muoria explained that RPL will improve employability for skilled workers, open doors to further training and entrepreneurship, and enable greater participation in the formal economy.
The Principal Secretary emphasised that skills development remains central to Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, noting that investors increasingly seek regions with a reliable, certified and competent workforce.
“A well-structured TVET system is critical in attracting investment and supporting sustainable job creation,” she said, adding that the government is committed to strengthening technical training to meet current and future labour market demands.
As part of efforts to modernise training environments, Dr Muoria announced that the government has commenced a nationwide programme to solarise all public TVET institutions.
She said the initiative will stabilise power supply in workshops and digital laboratories while lowering operational costs, thereby improving the quality and consistency of training.
The Principal Secretary also encouraged training institutions to strengthen partnerships with industry, modernise workshops and enhance their capacity for innovation and enterprise development.
“Institutions that position themselves as centres of production and practical skills will play a critical role in driving both local and national growth,” she observed.
Dr Muoria noted that Kericho County, being a major tea-growing region, requires specialised technical expertise in tea production, processing and value addition.
She urged training institutions to align Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curricula with the specific labour market needs of the county’s dominant economic sectors.
She also challenged the graduands to embrace discipline, professionalism and a spirit of excellence, noting that technical skills combined with integrity, creativity and hard work will unlock opportunities for local employment, self-employment and global engagement.
In a speech read on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba, the CS reiterated that competency-based education is now firmly embedded within Kenya’s training system to ensure graduates possess practical, industry-relevant skills.
“I commend national TVET institutions for successfully implementing Competency-Based Education and Training since September 2023, marking a decisive shift towards skills directly aligned to industry and employment needs,” the CS said.
He added that the TVET sector is experiencing a positive national mindset shift, with technical and vocational training increasingly recognised not as a last resort but as a national necessity.
“TVET equips our youth with practical competencies, transferable skills and workplace readiness required in today’s economy,” he said.
Kericho County Governor Dr Eric Mutai, who hosted the ceremony under the theme “Empowering Youth with Industry-Relevant Skills for the Evolving Job Markets, Skill Yangu, Maisha Bora,” said the theme reflects the county’s commitment to practical training and youth empowerment.
Dr Mutai noted that the county has expanded access to skills development through the Equaliser Vocational Training Sponsorship Programme in partnership with the KCB Foundation, which currently supports more than 4,500 trainees across vocational centres.
He added that the county government has established six new vocational training centres in Londiani, Tendeno Sorget, Ainamoi, Waldai, Cheboin and Kisiara wards to bring training closer to communities and reduce travel barriers for learners.
To further enhance hands-on learning, the governor said the county has constructed ten new workshops and several classrooms to support tooling, innovation and enterprise development.
A total of 1,600 trainees graduated with certificates in various technical disciplines, demonstrating the expanding reach of vocational training in the region.
The graduates included 92 in welding and fabrication, 235 in tailoring, dressmaking and fashion design, 214 in plumbing, 179 in motor vehicle mechanics, 160 in masonry, 339 in hairdressing and beauty therapy, 116 in food and beverage production, 189 in electrical installation, nine in information communication technology, and 67 in carpentry and joinery.
The event was attended by Uasin Gishu Governor Dr Jonathan Bii, TVET Authority Director General Timothy Nyongesa, Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai, national and county government officials, trainers, parents and industry partners.
By Kibe Mburu
