- Industry leaders have challenged TVET institutions to adopt modern training approaches that match the demands of a rapidly changing technological environment.
- Centurion Systems Limited Managing Director Kevit Desai says stronger collaboration between industry and training institutions is essential for workforce development.
- Stakeholders at the Kabete National Polytechnic conference emphasized innovation, digital learning and practical skills as key drivers of future competitiveness.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions must urgently embrace modern training approaches and strengthen collaboration with industry if Kenya is to produce a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
This was the message delivered by Kevit Desai, Managing Director of Centurion Systems Limited, during the Fourth International Research Conference, Skills Competition, Innovation, Career Guidance and Expo held at Kabete National Polytechnic.
Speaking during the conference, Desai observed that technological advancement is transforming every sector of the economy, creating new demands for productivity, innovation and efficiency.
He noted that industries are increasingly adopting advanced technologies in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, utilities and building management systems, requiring workers equipped with up-to-date technical competencies.
“The demands of technology within Kenya are changing rapidly and consistently. Industries today require higher levels of productivity, innovation and efficiency, and technology is becoming increasingly embedded in our everyday lives and economic systems,” he said.
Aligning Training With Industry Needs
Desai emphasized that TVET institutions have a critical role to play in preparing young people for this changing environment.
He noted that with growing student enrolment in technical institutions, there is an urgent need for more efficient methods of transferring knowledge, practical skills and technological competencies.
According to him, training programmes must be aligned with measurable industry standards recognised and agreed upon by employers.
Such alignment, he said, would help ensure that graduates possess skills that directly respond to labour market needs while enhancing productivity and competitiveness within the economy.
He further stressed that stronger collaboration between training institutions and industry players is essential in developing a workforce capable of supporting Kenya’s industrialisation agenda and economic growth.
Value of Stakeholder Engagement
Desai lauded Kabete National Polytechnic for organising the international conference, describing it as an important platform for dialogue among key stakeholders in the TVET sector.
He noted that the forum successfully brought together representatives from industry, academia, government and regulatory agencies to discuss challenges and opportunities facing technical training in Kenya.
“Such initiatives are significant because they create an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and discuss practical solutions. The private sector, TVET institutions, trainers, students, management teams and government agencies all have a role to play in strengthening technical education,” he said.
Among the key issues discussed during the conference were continuous professional development for trainers, modernisation of training infrastructure and integration of emerging technologies into learning programmes.
Desai highlighted the need for institutions to explore innovative training models, including the use of virtual equipment and digital simulation technologies to supplement traditional workshops and laboratories.
He noted that such approaches could expand access to practical training opportunities for larger numbers of students while reducing infrastructure constraints.
Promoting Inclusion and Future Skills
He also emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and equitable pathways within TVET education, particularly for young women and marginalized groups seeking skills that can improve their livelihoods and economic opportunities.
The conference further explored strategies for strengthening industry-academia linkages, enhancing research and innovation, and ensuring that graduates are equipped with competencies that match evolving workplace requirements.
Desai said continuous dialogue among stakeholders would be critical in addressing emerging challenges brought about by technological advancement and changing economic realities.
He commended Kabete National Polytechnic for consistently providing a platform where industry leaders, educators, policymakers and students can engage in meaningful discussions aimed at improving the quality and relevance of technical education in Kenya.
The Fourth International Research Conference attracted participants from across the education sector, industry and government, reinforcing the growing recognition of TVET as a key driver of innovation, industrial development and youth employment.
READ ALSO: Stakeholders push for inclusive TVET training to empower youth, women and persons with disabilities
As Kenya continues to pursue its industrial transformation agenda, speakers at the conference agreed that stronger partnerships between industry and training institutions will be essential in developing a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce capable of thriving in a technology-driven economy.
By Felix Wanderi
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