TVET institutions urged to invest in research

By Munene Maina
and Saida Njeru

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions have been urged to invest more in research and innovations to generate home grown solutions to local needs.
Principal Secretary State Department of Vocational and Technical Training, Dr Kevit Desai noted that TVET sector will play a big role in equipping youth with relevant skills, knowhow and attitudes for self-employment and gainful employment.
The PS said the Government development goals will be achieved if citizens have the right skills and knowledge, adding that it was, therefore, important for the institutions to do more research.
He said the sector is expected to play a key role in the effective implementation of key projects like value addition, manufacturing, enhancing food and nutrition projects and universal health coverage.
“To provide quality and relevant technical education, my ministry has put structures in place for quality assurance through establishment of TVETA to regulate, while the Kenya National Qualification Authority oversees the development and implementation of Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF),” Dr. Desai said.
The ministry is also implementing several reforms to establish a strong and vibrant TVET system.
These include implementing a Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) Curriculum, establishing linkages and partnerships with productive sectors in capacity building and governance.
Other reforms are transfer of trainers from Teachers Service Commission to Public Service Commission, enhanced Government capitation and allocation of HELB loans to trainees.
All constituencies have also been earmarked to have a technical institute.
“Currently, 125 TVCs out of 290 are operational. The remaining 165 require funding to construct new TVCs and equip them,” said Desai, who was speaking during Mathenge Technical Training Institute’s graduation.
There are 850 Youth Polytechnics and 11 National Polytechnics that are operational.
The ministry is also promoting TVET trainee placement through Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Services (KUCCPS).
It has, in addition, completed establishing a unit cost lowering the TVET institutions fees to a maximum of Sh56, 240 annually.
“Sh30, 000 will be direct capitation from the ministry while the remaining Sh26, 240 can be settled by HELB loan to enable students join and complete TVET Education,” Dr. Desai said.
He praised the role of the TVET sector in equipping one million Kenyan youth annually with the skills ready for self-employment.