The government is actively upgrading and modernizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to enhance their capacity and relevance in addressing Kenya’s labor market demands. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has emphasized the critical role of TVETs in building a skilled, adaptable, and innovative workforce that meets industry needs.
Speaking at the inaugural graduation ceremony of Kaiboi National Polytechnic in Nandi, Mudavadi reiterated the government’s commitment to progressive reforms in the TVET sector. He highlighted the approval of the dual training policy, which integrates theoretical learning with hands-on industrial training. This policy aims to bridge the skills gap, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for entrepreneurship and both local and international labor markets.
“This historic decision is a game changer since it will ensure that trainees, who have been constrained by skills mismatch with the needs of our industries, can now graduate with cutting-edge skills,” Mudavadi stated.
To further align TVET institutions with industry needs, the government has implemented policies and programs aimed at developing skills to support Kenya’s priority economic sectors. Key reforms focus on enhancing education quality, expanding access to TVET programs, and ensuring curricula are tailored to labor market requirements.
A major initiative in these reforms is the rollout of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum, introduced in September 2023. This curriculum emphasizes practical skills and knowledge, making trainees highly competent in their respective fields.
Additionally, the government has invested heavily in TVET infrastructure by equipping institutions with modern learning tools and technology. To address the shortage of trainers, 2,000 new instructors have been recruited, and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework has been enhanced to certify artisans who acquired skills through informal learning or work experience.
Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning TVET education with global industry trends to enhance Kenya’s economic competitiveness. The first graduation at Kaiboi National Polytechnic, which was recently upgraded from a technical training institute, saw 1,614 students receive certifications across various skill levels.
He urged the institution’s leadership to forge strong linkages with local industries and communities to further drive Kenya’s socio-economic transformation through vocational training.
