- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the government is targeting two million learners in TVET institutions by the end of the year.
- Enrolment has grown from about 314,000 trainees to more than 718,000 in less than three years, driven by major sector reforms.
- The government says TVETs remain central to industrialisation, youth employment and skills development.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government is targeting two million learners in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions by the end of this year.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba delivered the Deputy President’s message during the official opening of the Fourth International Research Conference on Skills Competition, Innovation, Career Guidance and Expo at Kabete National Polytechnic on Thursday, June 18.
“We found about 314,000 trainees in TVET institutions when this administration assumed office. In less than three years, that number has grown to more than 718,000, and we are working towards increasing enrolment to two million by the end of this year,” said Kindiki.
The Deputy President attributed the increase in enrolment to government interventions, including the recruitment of additional trainers and the establishment of technical training institutes in constituencies across the country.
He described TVET institutions as critical drivers of industrialisation, youth employment and national self-reliance.
“The government of Kenya views TVETs not only as an alternative pathway for education, but as a primary engine for industrialisation, youth employment and national self-reliance. We are shifting our focus from pure academic theory to market-led, hands-on competencies that will power local industries and open doors in the global labour market,” he said.
Industry-Oriented Training
Kindiki defended ongoing reforms in the TVET sector, saying they are designed to align training programmes with labour market needs.
He noted that the reforms include the introduction of the dual-training model, operationalisation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework, digitisation of skills mapping and investment in modern equipment and infrastructure.
“To enhance access to technical training, we have significantly reduced the cost of training. The government has increased the education budget from about Sh544 billion in the 2022/23 financial year to Sh702 billion in 2025/26, and allocated Sh784.5 billion for the 2026/27 financial year,” he said.
The Deputy President urged industry players, academic institutions and development partners to strengthen collaboration with the government in advancing the TVET transformation agenda.
He added that the government continues to expand bilateral labour agreements and international partnerships aimed at connecting skilled young Kenyans with employment opportunities abroad.
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According to Kindiki, a stronger TVET sector will be key to building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and positioning Kenya competitively in the global labour market.
By Frank Mugwe
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