The government is set to roll out a textile and apparel skills enhancement program in 15 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. The initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with specialized skills that align with industry demands.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, announced the program, emphasizing its role in reducing TVET wastage rates. She explained that the government is restructuring curricula into micro-credentials, allowing trainees to acquire targeted skills efficiently, graduate faster, and secure employment or venture into entrepreneurship.
During a consultative forum with principals from the selected institutions, Dr. Muoria revealed that the program will be piloted at 15 TVET institutions, including:
- Tetu Technical and Vocational College
- Kenya Coast National Polytechnic
- Kisii National Polytechnic
- Belgut Technical Training Institute
- Rift Valley National Polytechnic
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic
- Kibra TVC
- Nkabune TTI
- Nyeri National Polytechnic
- Maasai National Polytechnic
- Kisumu National Polytechnic
- Nairobi National Polytechnic
- Tharaka TVC
- Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf
Dr. Muoria noted that despite the growing demand for skilled workers in the textile and apparel industry, there remains a significant skills gap. To bridge this gap, the State Department for TVET has partnered with Sainath Education Institute to provide specialized training in fashion and design. This partnership aims to ensure that graduates are job-ready for positions in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Additionally, the program will upskill TVET trainers in fashion and design, exposing them to modern equipment and industry best practices. The implementation is set to begin at the end of March in Nairobi and Mombasa before expanding nationwide.
Dr. Muoria further stated that the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum is being refined to incorporate core competency units that can be completed in six to eight months. This enhancement is expected to improve the employability of graduates and provide a highly skilled workforce for the textile and apparel sector.
