Eldoret: In a significant move to boost technical skills among the Kenyan youth, the government, through the Ministry of Education, has pledged to make Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) more accessible and affordable. This initiative aims to transform trainees into skilled professionals and future employers rather than job seekers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ministry initiated the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) program in September. This program is designed to align trainee skills with industry demands. A notable aspect of this initiative is the Dual Training approach, where trainees spend 70% of their time gaining hands-on experience in the industry and the remaining 30% in classroom learning.
The announcement was made during the 18th Graduation Ceremony at The Eldoret National Polytechnic, where Machogu celebrated the graduation of 2,692 students. He commended the institution for enrolling 2,886 trainees in 103 CBET courses and offering over 30 qualifications developed internally.
Machogu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the New Funding Model (NFM), enhancing the accessibility and affordability of TVET for Kenyan youth. He criticized the previous funding model, Differentiated Unit Cost, for its lack of sustainability and inequity, noting the new approach will prioritize funding for students from financially challenged backgrounds.
The Government will continue supporting Kenyan youths aspiring to join public TVET institutions. Machogu stressed the importance of TVET institutions diversifying their revenue streams to enhance their financial stability.
The TVET sector is a focus area for the current administration, with reforms aimed at improving efficiency, quality, and relevance. Continuous industry engagement is crucial to bridging the gap between educational training and industry demands.
Machogu highlighted the role of TVET graduates in driving the Kenyan economy, noting their prevalence in various sectors. The Ministry of Education, through the TVET Authority (TVETA), ensures that training meets high standards and remains competitive.
Recognizing the importance of practical skills, the Ministry has deployed 1,300 TVET trainers nationwide, with plans to recruit 2,000 more. This effort is coupled with re-tooling current trainers to deliver effective CBET.
The Government is also investing in modern equipment and infrastructure development in TVET institutions to enhance training quality. Construction of new TVET institutions is underway, aiming to increase their total number to 238.
Machogu encouraged graduates to use their skills and opportunities to address societal challenges and contribute to the nation’s economic development.