The Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) is set to revamp its curriculum to ensure young people acquire skills in less than three months, a strategic shift aims to produce a workforce that is quickly equipped with the necessary competencies to enter the job market and contribute to the economy.
This was announced by the TVETs Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria while Speaking at Nyeri National Polytechnic during a stakeholders’ meeting, where she emphasized the need to move away from traditional long-term training models to a more dynamic, competency-based approach.
“We want our learners to acquire skills within a short period and be certified to contribute to the economy. The goal is to make training more efficient so that our young people can enter the workforce as soon as possible,” she said.
Dr. Muoria went further revealing that the curriculum realignment would be effective from May, with industry stakeholders actively involved in the planning process to ensure the training aligns with current market demands. Fields such as automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, agriculture, civil, and building engineering will be part of this educational transformation.
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“We have engaged stakeholders from various industries to help us understand what skills are currently in demand. By aligning our training with market needs, we will enhance employability among our graduates,” she explained.
The shift in training will emphasize hands-on experience over theoretical instruction.
“We are focusing on minimal theory and more practical skills training,” Dr. Muoria added. “With the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) being introduced at lower educational levels, students will already have an idea of their preferred craft before joining TVET institutions. This will ensure a smoother transition into technical training and eventually into the workforce.”
The initiative is ambitious, with a target of enrolling over two million youths in TVET institutions by the end of the year. This move aligns with the government’s broader agenda of equipping young people with technical skills that guarantee employability. “Once you acquire technical skills, you cannot be jobless. You can either be employed or start your own business,” Dr. Muoria affirmed, highlighting the potential for self-employment among TVET graduates.
Moreover, she underscored the crucial role of skilled labor in attracting global investors to Kenya. “For international companies to set up industries in Kenya, we need a workforce that meets global standards. The more we skill up our youth, the more we encourage industrialization in our country,” she stated.
Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the importance of bridging the skills gap in various sectors. Many businesses have struggled with a shortage of qualified technicians, a challenge that the new curriculum seeks to address. By ensuring students acquire job-ready skills in a shorter time frame, the government hopes to close this gap and boost productivity in key sectors of the economy.
Additionally, the curriculum reforms will be accompanied by a review of certification standards to ensure graduates meet competency benchmarks recognized by employers.
Dr. Muoria also reassured stakeholders that certification processes would be streamlined, making it easier for graduates to secure employment opportunities.
“We are also working on an efficient assessment and certification system that ensures students are tested on their competencies before they graduate. This way, employers can trust that our graduates are ready to work immediately,” she explained.
The PS further emphasized that the TVET transformation is designed to integrate with the country’s broader education reforms.
“Realignment of our TVET learning will make it very easy for young people to transition into TVET institutions and eventually into universities should they wish to advance their studies. The goal is to create a seamless education system that fosters both technical expertise and academic progression,” she stated.
Dr Muoria went ahead by revealing that this shift in training duration and focus is expected to boost Kenya’s economic development by equipping more young people with practical skills essential for various industries. By ensuring that students acquire critical competencies in a shorter period, the government is not only enhancing employment prospects but also fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth.
“As part of the reforms, TVET institutions will also receive infrastructural upgrades and better resources to facilitate practical learning. More workshops, modern equipment, and digital learning platforms will be introduced to enhance the training experience,” she said
She also revealed that the Ministry of Education is working closely with development partners and the private sector to ensure that these improvements are realized in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the government plans to launch awareness campaigns to encourage more young people to enroll in TVET programs. Many youths have traditionally favored university education over technical training, but officials believe that better awareness of TVET opportunities will help shift perceptions.
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“We want to tell Kenyans that technical education is just as valuable as a university degree, if not more in some cases. With the right skills, one can secure well-paying jobs or establish a thriving business,” Dr. Muoria emphasized.
The PS added that In addition to curriculum changes, TVET institutions will strengthen collaborations with industries to ensure students gain real-world experience through internships and apprenticeships. This partnership will provide learners with exposure to industry standards, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Experts in education and industry have commended the reforms, noting that a skilled labor force is critical for national development. “If we want Kenya to be an industrial hub, we must ensure our workforce is highly skilled and ready to take on emerging opportunities. This initiative is a step in the right direction,” remarked a senior education consultant.
Dr. Muoria was accompanied by Nyeri National Polytechnic Chief Principal Dr. David Mwangi and other key stakeholders from the TVET sector. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to implement these crucial changes successfully.
The revamped curriculum is expected to be ready within a month, and students enrolling in TVET institutions from May onwards will be the first beneficiaries of this new system. The government is calling on young people to take advantage of these changes and enroll in technical training programs that can secure their future.
By our reporter
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