Principal Secretary for TVET Dr. Esther Muoria has called on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to shift their focus from merely enrolling and graduating students to ensuring that trainees acquire skills that respond to industry needs. Speaking during the first graduation ceremony at Kaelo Technical and Vocational College, Dr. Muoria emphasized the need for TVET institutions to be intentional in designing training programs that equip young people with skills that match industry needs.
Dr. Muoria challenged TVET principals to make optimal use of equipment in their workshops to train learners while generating income for their institutions. She cited the production of items such as hinges and stays, which could be supplied to the affordable housing program, as an example of how TVET workshops could become centers of production, innovation, and enterprise. The PS also urged institutions to undertake research aimed at developing practical solutions using locally available materials.
The government is committed to equipping TVET institutions, with additional equipment worth Sh13 billion being provided to institutions across the country. Dr. Muoria also revealed that a dedicated TVET recruitment team had recruited 37 graduates from Kaelo TVC for employment opportunities abroad. The government has partnered with Consolidated Bank of Kenya to facilitate access to financing for young people seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Dr. Muoria emphasized that TVET institutions must adopt the philosophy of training "from industry, with industry, and for industry" to ensure that graduates remain useful to themselves, their families, communities, and the country. She urged graduates to return to TVET institutions for further training whenever they identify additional skills they need. Kaelo TVC Principal Joseph Kimathi said the institution is seeking to expand its enrollment and strengthen its relationship with the community and industry.
Kimathi said about 800 new students had been admitted for the September intake, following an enrollment drive conducted by the institution and the county administration. The college currently has about 1,450 trainees and has set a target of reaching 3,000 students by 2027. Kimathi emphasized that the college is committed to providing accessible, relevant, and quality technical training that equips young people with practical skills.
Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu commended the principal and Board of Management for the progress made by Kaelo TVC, urging parents to change their perception of TVET qualifications. Taitumu emphasized that technical skills could enable young people to become employers rather than job seekers. He also urged parents and the community to avoid politicizing the institution and instead support its growth.
The stakeholders present at the graduation ceremony emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach to strengthen Kaelo TVC and promote technical skills development in Igembe North. With the government's commitment to equipping TVET institutions and the college's plans to expand its enrollment, the future of technical education in Kenya looks promising.
Key points
- Dr. Esther Muoria urges TVET institutions to focus on training youth with skills that match industry needs.
- The government is committed to equipping TVET institutions with additional equipment worth Sh13 billion.
- Kaelo TVC aims to reach 3,000 students by 2027.
