The number of students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya is projected to soar to two million by the end of 2025, a significant leap from the current 500,000 students. This ambitious target, set by the Ministry of Education, underscores the government’s commitment to empowering youth with practical skills that align with market demands.
Rapid Growth in Enrollment
According to the State Department for TVET, the sector has experienced substantial growth, with student enrollment increasing from 350,000 to 500,000 within the year. This progress reflects the growing recognition of TVET institutions as vital avenues for equipping young Kenyans with the skills necessary for employment and entrepreneurship.
To accommodate this surge, the government has employed 2,000 additional tutors, bringing the total number of TVET trainers to 3,300. This move is expected to improve the trainer-student ratio and enhance the quality of education and training offered.
Enhancing Quality and Access
Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, emphasized that the government is actively engaging the National Treasury to secure more funding for recruiting and training additional tutors. Speaking at an engagement in Naivasha with representatives from TVET institutions, Dr. Muoria highlighted the government’s dedication to improving the quality of education through better staffing and facilities.
A key element of this strategy is the establishment and equipping of 25 Centers of Excellence. These institutions will play a pivotal role in implementing the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum, which focuses on practical, industry-relevant skills.
Dr. Muoria also noted the ongoing collaboration with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to ensure that all eligible students attend TVET classes. This effort aims to reduce the number of idle youths and encourage broader participation in vocational training.
Industry Partnerships and Modern Training
In a bid to align TVET programs with market needs, the Ministry of Education has formed industry advisory committees. These committees will ensure that students acquire relevant skills required by employers. Additionally, the government is advocating for the inclusion of external examiners to guide and evaluate practical training, further bridging the gap between training and industry expectations.
The Ministry, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has retooled more than 5,000 trainers on the CBET curriculum. This partnership ensures that trainers are well-equipped to deliver modern, competency-based education.
Furthermore, digital training, simulation, and virtual labs are being introduced to prepare students for technologically advanced industries. These innovations aim to create a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving job market.
Empowering Youth for Economic Growth
Dr. Muoria reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the youth with skills that lead to well-paying jobs or entrepreneurial ventures. “The government is committed to realign deliberate efforts to enhance youth skills, enabling them to secure jobs or establish their businesses,” she said.
Aggrey Ndombi of the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) noted that their organization is collaborating with the government to develop over 700 programs and engage with 500,000 students under the Giver Year project. The five-year initiative aims to empower youth by equipping 19 TVET institutions across the country.
Vision 2030: Transforming the Workforce
The partnership between CICAN and the government extends beyond the immediate future, with a vision to train over seven million youths by 2030. This ambitious goal aims to enhance employability and provide a robust foundation for Kenya’s economic transformation.
As TVET institutions continue to expand and modernize, they represent a beacon of hope for Kenya’s youth. By focusing on skills development, the government is paving the way for a more resilient, self-reliant, and economically vibrant nation.
