Nairobi: The government has made significant progress in reforming the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to align it with global trends and to meet the needs of a growing workforce. Speaking at the inaugural graduation ceremony of Michuki National Polytechnic, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki emphasized the crucial role of the TVET sector in developing a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and ready to meet the demands of both present and future industries.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Deputy President stated that as part of the reforms, the government has adopted a modular approach to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), breaking it down into short, examinable competency units. These units lead to micro, partial, or full qualifications, which could be completed within three to six months. Kindiki explained that the introduction of micro-credentials offers a tool for flexible, demand-driven training that responds to the dynamic needs of the labor market.
To advance the TVET agenda, the government has committed to strengthening the capacity of training institutions by equipping them with state-of-the-art tools and technology. Plans are underway to equip 70 additional TVET institutions through a strategic partnership with Avic International, a global leader in technical and vocational education support. The Deputy President remarked on the importance of ensuring every TVET institution in Kenya is equipped to deliver world-class training that meets job market needs.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, reassured education stakeholders of the government's commitment to standardizing the TVET ecosystem. He highlighted the Ministry of Education's efforts in developing and implementing a comprehensive policy framework aimed at streamlining operations across the sector. A key milestone in these efforts is the recent launch of the National Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Framework, designed to assess, validate, and certify skills gained through informal and non-formal learning pathways.
The Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, applauded the government's ongoing efforts to revitalize and modernize the TVET sector. She commended the investments in infrastructure, curriculum reforms, and strategic partnerships aimed at making technical training more accessible and relevant. Dr. Muoria emphasized that TVET is a cornerstone of national development and stressed the importance of equipping youth with the skills needed to innovate and compete.
Chief Principal of Michuki National Polytechnic, Ms. Anne Mbogo, lauded the government for equipping and modernizing the institution. She noted that the acquisition of a 7-acre piece of land for a satellite campus would increase the polytechnic's population to over 15,000 students. During the graduation, 2,257 learners graduated with diplomas and certificates, while another 300 completed short artisan courses.