The Humber College of Canada in partnership with Vancouver Island University, alongside a number of national technical institutions, has entered into a partnership with other industry players aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education training (TVET) in Kenya.
Its theme is, “Strengthening and Sustaining Linkages with Industry in the TVET System.”
The deal includes Sigalagala National Polytechnic and Bondo Technical Training Institute.
It is founded on the auspices of Young Africa Works-Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET).
The Young Africa Works-Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) initiative is the first project of its kind in Kenya, targeting to support the government in achieving full RPL implementation across 25 TVET institutions and centres of excellence.
Other players include the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), which targets unlocking the potential of the informal sector, which employs about 15 million people.
Principal Secretary, State Dept. for Industry, Ministry of Trade and Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana says most college graduates are not skilled and need to be attached to industries in order to gain the requisite experience.
Dr. Mukhwana laments that most universities are theory-oriented hence the need to strengthen technical and vocational education training institutions.
A trainer at Sigalagala national polytechnic Colleta Kweyu says that they have already started such attachments and at the moment linked to a number of firms in Western Kenya.
KNQA Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Alice Kande, says the agency has already developed the policy framework, which is set to be launched on October 6, 2023.
Dr. Kanda says KNQA has tested the practicability of the framework, with over 600 candidates assessed and certified.
Humber College Dean of International Studies Andrew Ness says the program was set to put Kenya on the map of industrialized countries in the world.
“What we have seen over the last two weeks is an incredible team of young, smart, and committed faculty members. We see a lot of potential,” he says.
The Principal Secretary at the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training Dr. Esther Muoria also already outlined government plans aimed at linking college graduates to industries.
Dr. Muoria says they are now in talks with the German government over the same.
By Fredrick Odiero
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