The government is modernizing and expanding technical and vocational training institutions to create a technical savvy human resource to meet current industry standards.
Vocational and Technical Training Principal Secretary Dr. Margaret Mwakima said the government would be re-equipping vocational and training institutions to address the growing demand for industrial and vibrant vocational training.
The state department has facilitated the establishment and operationalization of regulatory agencies such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authority and Kenya National Qualifications Authority to ensure quality and proper regulation of the TVET sector.
The PS said the government was also establishing centres of excellence in various institutions in order to support the development of skills for the manufacturing pillar under the big four agenda in collaboration with development partners.
Dr. Mwakima was speaking during the 16th graduation ceremony of the Eldoret National Polytechnic that saw over 3,800 trainees receive certificates and diplomas for various courses.
The PS said the government has increased the number of TVET institutions from 58 in 2013 to 238 currently, a move that has seen the government invest more than Sh.10 billion.
“Due to the Sh. 10.3 billion capitation grant and Sh. 11.1 billion Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans to TVET trainees, there has been an increase in enrolment from 55,945 in 2013 to 249,316 in 2021,” she said.
Additionally, she said the government is continuously releasing conditional grants amounting to Sh.2 billion to vocational training centres so that county governments can use the facilities to ensure young people are given quality skills that meet both local and international standards.
The PS affirmed the government’s commitment to providing human and capital resources to ensure smooth operations in all TVET institutions.
“Arrangements are in place to recruit over 3,000 trainers to be able to address the current shortage in all the TVET institutions,” she said
Dr. Mwakima said there is a need to train a critical mass of technologists, technicians, and artisans in order to achieve socio-economic growth in the country, adding that TVET institutions are expected to play a crucial role in bridging identified skills deficit in the country’s job market.
At the same time, the PS urged those graduating from the technical training institutions to use the knowledge and skills acquired to create employment for themselves and other youths.
“When you graduate with your start-up tools, if you are linked to the financial institution, you can become an entrepreneur, therefore, employing yourself and employing others,” she observed.
By Brian Kipkenei and Kiptanui Cherono
