The National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) have been challenged to work closely with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to mobilize and encourage more young people to enroll in vocational training programmes as part of efforts to equip them with employable skills and curb drug and substance abuse.
Speaking during a TVET and NGAO stakeholders’ engagement forum at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Dr. Esther Mworia said the collaboration between the TVET sector and the NGAO team was crucial in increasing enrollment because administrators have direct access to communities at the grassroots.
Dr. Mworia noted that many young people, particularly those from low-income families, miss opportunities to pursue further education due to financial constraints, emphasizing that TVET institutions provide practical and affordable pathways to employment and self-reliance.
She urged NGAO officers to spearhead awareness campaigns on the benefits of technical training and support the ongoing enrollment drive in Nyandarua County, where polytechnic principals have expressed concern over low student enrollment.
“The whole-of-government approach is key in ensuring more young people access technical education. We are happy to partner with the NGAO team because they have direct contact with communities and can help mobilize learners,” she said.
The PS said the government had enrolled about 1.2 million learners in TVET institutions across the country and was targeting to increase the number to two million by the end of the year.
She added that although the government is working towards fully funding TVET students, achieving the objective will take time due to resource constraints.
Dr. Mworia also highlighted the government’s Kazi Majuu initiative, which provides opportunities for graduates to gain international work experience before returning home with enhanced skills. She further announced plans to assess and certify artisans to expand the country’s pool of nationally recognized skilled workers.
“Investors want assurance that Kenya has adequate qualified technical workers before investing in the country. We must therefore certify our artisans and strengthen the national qualifications framework,” she said.
Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alice Kande said the authority is committed to ensuring that qualifications awarded to learners are recognized nationally and internationally.
She said certification by KNQA protects learners from fake certificates while enhancing their chances of securing employment with dignity and professional recognition.
On his side, Central Region TVET Chairperson Simon Ngatia said aggressive marketing of TVET programmes has significantly improved enrollment in some regions and urged all stakeholders, including the NGAO team, to intensify community sensitization campaigns across the Mt. Kenya West region.
He noted that Nyandarua County currently has an enrollment of 3,931 students in its five fully equipped TVET institutions, describing the figure as low compared to other regions despite the available training infrastructure.
On her side, Nyandarua National Polytechnic Principal Dr. Jane Gitau also called for concerted efforts to increase student enrollment in the county’s institutions.
Meanwhile, Muna Muraya, an Assistant Chief for Township Sublocation in Ol Kalou and a former student of Nyandarua National Polytechnic, said he has been actively mobilizing young people to enroll in TVET institutions within his area.
Muraya said he particularly encourages learners to pursue agriculture-related courses, noting that they offer excellent employment and business opportunities in the current job market.
Former TVET students who recently participated in an exchange programme in the United Kingdom said the exposure enabled them to acquire valuable technical and workplace skills from their international counterparts.
Stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that closer collaboration between TVET institutions, the NGAO team and other government agencies would help increase enrollment and equip more young people with market-driven skills for national development.
By Antony Mwangi
