Kenya to Revamp Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) for Labour Market Demands
Kenya is modernizing its Technical, Vocational Education and Training system to accommodate the country’s rising industrial and labor market needs, according to Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu.
Mr. Machogu stated that TVET is an effective instrument for preparing adolescents for the labor market and providing adults with lifetime learning opportunities, emphasizing the importance of providing a strong training environment for young people.
The Cabinet Secretary was addressing the 6th Conference on the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) at a Nairobi hotel.
Claudette Irere, Chair of the PASET Governing Council and Rwanda’s Minister of State for Education, was present throughout the panel discussion.
For the past two days, the forum has brought together academics, industry, and governments from across Africa to discuss the future of skills, education, and entrepreneurship on the continent.
The conference’s theme is “Leveraging Technical, Vocational, and Technical Training (TVET) in the Knowledge and Skills Ecosystem for Africa’s Industrialization.”
Mr. Machogu stated that the 100% transition to secondary school, capitation for students enrolled in TVET institutions, rebranding of TVET, and support for Special Needs TVETs have resulted in significant enrollment of kids in the TVET system.
He stated that the government’s support for TVET, as well as student enthusiasm, had exceeded the capacity of the current infrastructure, equipment, and support facilities to meet the students’ training needs.
He stated that there are currently 389,962 students enrolled in TVET institutes, with 7,133 trainers.
Mr. Machogu stated that enrolment had exceeded the recommended trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:20, with the current ratio of 1:55.
“The government has recruited 2,000 trainers as part of the continuous recruitment of trainers to address the imbalance,” Mr. Machogu added.
He stated that the government was examining the TVET system’s legal framework to streamline technical trainer management and harmonize service programs.
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African Establishment Bank (AfDB) Education, Human Capital, and Skills Development Division Manager Hendrina Doroba stated that African governments should prioritize the establishment of technical vocational education and training institutions in their various countries.
She advised countries to define their development agendas and seek cooperation from development partners.
“The governments should be firm in determining the direction of their socioeconomic development,” she stated.
Kenya to Revamp Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) for Labour Market Demands
