It is a boon for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students after the government revealed its partnership with China.
In the partnership deal, TVET institutions will be stoked with modern training equipment.
Speaking at the official opening of the African Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 8 at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) on July 24, 2023, TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria said a sum of 154 TVET institutions have so far been equipped as a result of the continued partnership.
“We are about to sign a commercial agreement with AVIC International to bring in the third phase of equipment in TVET institutions to enable real-time training of students,” she said.
She said Kenya is committed to fast-tracking training for youth in skills development based on not only certificates earned but what they can do.
The state department plans to re-craft the TVET curriculum, re-train trainers, and conduct dual training for students.
“We want to get our country to the next level of development and empowering our youth at the TVET level speaks to our agenda of skilling,” the PS said.
ATC, an annual event, which commenced on Monday and will run through August 25 is targeting contestants from nine countries: Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The challenge will focus on training and competitions in two categories: Mechanical Drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD), Software Application, and CNC Lathe Machining.
Each vocational institution will be represented by a team consisting of one teacher as the team leader, and three students who will participate in the challenge for each category.
Kenya will be represented by 10 teams.
At the same time, AVIC International Holding Corporation Kenya chief representative Ma Chengyuan said the training program is designed to empower youth with practical skills in a fast-growing economy.
“We believe equipping our youths gives them an opportunity to compete for opportunities in the global market,” he said.
The winners will also be awarded internships as well as job opportunities, among other rewards.
AVIC International Holding Corporation is a global shareholding enterprise affiliated with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.
By Vostine Ratemo
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