Education Cabinet Secretary Mr. Ezekiel Machogu has expressed gratitude to the Australian government for giving opportunities to hundreds of Kenyans seeking higher education in her country.
Machogu said Kenya is grateful that Australia has admitted generations of Kenyan students into its universities since the 1980s to date.
“Many of them returned and are working in various sectors of the economy,” Machogu said.
The CS made the remarks at his Jogoo House office when he received the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tim Watts who paid him a courtesy call.
Machogu said the cordial relations existing between the two countries had made Kenya benefit from the quality but comparatively affordable education system in Australia.
“Kenya is undertaking reforms aimed at realigning its education to fit the global standards, with emphasis on competences, technical and vocational training,” stated the CS.
Watts said it was gratifying to see many Kenyans study in Australian Universities, noting that it would be more beneficial to the two countries if the students returned home to build their country.
“My government is willing to let Australian experts in higher education to train Kenyans in various fields upon invitation by the government,” he added.
Watts stated that his government gave priority to Technical Vocational and Technical Training (TVET) as they are fundamental to a modern economy. He expressed the need for countries to strengthen the quality, standards and curricula of TVET systems.
Present at the meeting were the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Australian Ambassador to Kenyan, Luke Williams and senior Ministry officials.
By Bernadette Khaduli
