Education CS Overhauls TVET Curriculum, Introduces Two-Three Week Courses.
The government has unveiled significant changes to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs shortly after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opened its portal for registrations.
These reforms aim to align TVETs with modern workforce demands and address issues in the job market.
During the first graduation ceremony at Ollessos National Polytechnic, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized the necessity for TVET reforms to cater to contemporary needs of Kenyan youths.
He stressed that the current structure often leaves graduates unprepared for immediate employment, causing them to linger in the job market. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had earlier highlighted these changes, aligning with Kindiki’s sentiments.
Introduction of Short Courses
As part of the reforms, the TVET curriculum will now include short courses lasting two to three weeks. Kindiki pointed out that the previous curriculum focused excessively on concepts, formulas, and principles, often neglecting the practical skills crucial for employment.
He explained that the revised Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum is tailored to meet industry demands, ensuring graduates possess market-ready skills.
The government envisions these short courses to equip individuals with specific competencies quickly. Opportunities under the labour mobility program will particularly benefit, as these courses will provide skills and certification needed for both local and international job markets.
Another transformative policy, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), has been introduced in TVETs. According to Kindiki, the Cabinet has endorsed this policy to acknowledge knowledge and skills acquired outside formal education.
This allows individuals to attend TVETs or Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) for short durations and receive certification. This initiative ensures that lack of formal education does not exclude individuals from job opportunities.
Dual Training Policy Implementation
The government has also launched the Dual Training Policy, which integrates practical training in actual workplaces with classroom instruction.
Institutions must now ensure students participate in industrial attachments and post-training internships. These measures aim to enhance job placement rates by ensuring graduates are industry-ready.
Kindiki underscored that theoretical training alone is no longer acceptable in TVETs and related institutions. He assured that the government will provide necessary infrastructure and partnerships to facilitate this policy, ensuring students receive practical exposure.
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Education CS Ogamba disclosed that enrolment in TVET programs has been expanded to accommodate over 8 million youths. The 2024 KCSE cohort is actively enrolling in TVETs following the KUCCPS portal’s official opening on February 14.
These reforms were approved during the Cabinet meeting held at the Kakamega State Lounge on January 21, 2025. The changes mark a critical step in transforming TVETs into hubs of practical and accessible education, bridging gaps in the job market and fostering youth empowerment.
Education CS Overhauls TVET Curriculum, Introduces Two-Three Week Courses
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