The government’s concerted efforts in developing space for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through partnerships have transformed the face of vocational training in the country.
Speaking during a close-out forum at a Mombasa hotel, TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria said that the Young Africa Works-Kenya TVET programme has ensured TVET moves to another level in the country, with more youth who qualify to join university embracing vocational training.
The PS said the state department has partnered with the MasterCard Foundation and their implementers, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) for five years in the TVET sector and the transformation journey is tremendous.
She said since its inception in 2020, the Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET programme has worked hand in hand with 101 public TVET institutions across the country.
According to the PS, the programme has touched every facet of the TVET ecosystem, from policy reform and gender mainstreaming to Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET), applied research and innovation and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
She added that 138 CBET courses have been launched to align training with industry needs, while 55 institutions were equipped with modern tools for key sectors like aquaculture and the blue economy.
Dr. Muoria noted there are also 57 Industry Advisory committees established to link training with jobs, while over 800 candidates have been certified through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), including refugees and the “Niko Set Na TVET” campaign, with a visibility and outreach component repositioning TVET as a top choice for youth and not a fallback option.
She said tens of thousands of young people were now more equipped, confident and competitive in the world of work.
“This programme has enhanced institutional capacity, including equipment and infrastructure within TVET institutions and a generation of empowered youth is rising ready to lead and transform the nation’s economy,” she said.
The PS further said the department has a dedicated sector in marketing and they are working closely with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to mobilise young people at the grassroots level to join TVET institutions.
“We have expanded to 700,000 and we are targeting more as the government calls for 100 per cent transition. We craft them for three months to pave the way for others, and we ensure every skill is properly crafted within those months,” she said.
On her part, the Kenya University and College Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) CEO Dr. Agnes Wahome, said there was a need to develop programmes that resonate with the needs and interests of the public and align with the current world in terms of technology.
Wahome said they had seen great interest in module courses, but still there are more young people without any form of training or education.
“We need to develop programmes that resonate with their needs and interests as young people,” she said.
By Chari Suche
