Kenyan Polytechnics, Australia Partner to Advance TVET Training

Kenyan Polytechnics, Australia Partner to Advance TVET Training.

Principals from all National Polytechnics in Kenya assembled at Kabete Polytechnic for a pivotal meeting with a delegation from Australia. The gathering aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts to enhance the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Kenya.

Among the key participants were Ambassador Wilson Kogo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia; Ms. Florah Mulatya, Education Attaché at the High Commission; and Mr. Zac Gikandi, a Senior Officer at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) in Australia.

These officials shared critical insights on how the Australian TVET model could inspire reforms in Kenya.

During last year’s launch of the Jitume initiative at the same venue, President William Ruto underscored the essential role of TVET institutions in driving economic growth.

He outlined Kenya’s intention to collaborate with countries like Germany and Australia to elevate the TVET sector. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to investing in partnerships to enhance the quality of skills offered at TVET institutions, aligning with the goals of the Kenya Kwanza plan.

Collaborative Agenda and Key Discussions

Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education, and Training, presided over the meeting. She highlighted the critical role of TVET principals and practitioners in equipping Kenyan youth with globally competitive skills.

Key areas of collaboration included:

• Upskilling TVET trainers to ensure their methods meet global standards.
• Curriculum exchange between Kenya and Australia to align with industry demands.
• Labour mobility initiatives to facilitate job opportunities for TVET graduates in Australia.

Dr. Muoria emphasized the importance of adopting a competency-based curriculum tailored to international benchmarks while addressing the unique demands of Kenya’s job market.

Dr. Muoria also highlighted the role of exchange programs for students and faculty. She stated that such initiatives would not only foster knowledge-sharing but also promote cross-cultural understanding. This, she noted, would create sustainable partnerships and open pathways for employment opportunities.

“We aim to build networks between the Kenyan and Australian institutions that will foster long-term collaborative relationships with an emphasis on a competency-based curriculum that meets international standards while catering to the local job market demands,” Muoria said.

She further recognized Ambassador Wilson Kogo’s unwavering support in advancing TVET policies that address both local and global labor market needs.

Dr. Muoria concluded the meeting with a reaffirmation of Kenya’s dedication to forging international partnerships in education. The discussions marked a significant step toward achieving a TVET sector capable of fostering innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth.

Kenyan Polytechnics, Australia Partner to Advance TVET Training.

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