The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is adequately prepared to absorb the over 700,000 KCSE graduates, who failed to meet the University entry grade.
TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria has said the government is prioritising trainer capacity building, facility upgrades, and enhanced course competencies for technical and vocational learners across the country.
Dr. Muoria said these efforts aim to ensure high-quality skills development and industry readiness for learners by giving them the opportunity to acquire market-driven skills for employability.
Speaking during induction forum for TVET principals and county directors from across the country at Thika Technical Training Institute, the PS affirmed the government’s commitment to revolutionising technical and vocational education to meet modern industry demands.
She highlighted that the government is focusing on training trainers and equipping technical and vocational centers to produce highly skilled craft persons in specialized areas.
This shift aligns with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), where students will be trained in specific skills rather than broad subjects.
“We are aligning our courses with market demands and introducing new techniques that emphasise precision and finesse,” she said.
The PS cited specialised courses such as masonry, where she said training will be on specific skill sets like tiling, plastering, design, and flooring, noting that mastery in these areas would make graduates internationally competitive.
“We want train our students to the finest of details such that they exemplify finesse. Globally, we are seeing exceptional structures built with quality and finesse. If you have done tiling, you must be the best in that skill set. This is the standard we aim to achieve through our TVET institutions,” Muoria said.
The PS also assured that TVET institutions have enough highly qualified trainers to maintain the recommended student-to-trainer ratio, ensuring effective learning.
“Last year, the government employed 3,000 TVET trainers, and we hope the number will be increased in the coming years for efficiency. We also have state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the students get the adequate hands-on training to prepare them for the job market,” the PS said.
To be able to attract more students, the PS said they will work closely with the National government administrators to conduct a mop-up exercise to ensure all form four leavers not in college or university are enrolled in TVETs.
“We have discussed with the Commission for University Education placing those who scored less than C+ at TVETs. The students will be placed in TVETs that are closer to their homes for convenience. The vulnerable ones will also receive funding to enable them to complete their education,” she said.
By Muoki Charles
