Managers of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have been urged to strengthen partnerships with industries and equip trainees with skills that match labour market demands and national development priorities.
TVET Director Tom Olang said the rapidly changing global landscape, driven by technology, digital transformation and emerging industries, requires institutions to adapt in order to remain relevant.
Speaking during the two-day Lake Region Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) TVET Fair and Skills Competition held at Daraja Mbili Primary School and hosted by Kisii National Polytechnic, Olang praised trainees for their outstanding innovation and creativity.
“I am impressed by the level of innovation demonstrated by the trainees. It is clear evidence that TVET institutions are nurturing problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and job creators,” Olang said during the closing ceremony attended by participants from 37 institutions across the region.
The Director, who was accompanied by Homabay and Migori Regional Director Anderson Gichana, event chairman Joseph Kawala, Kisii National Polytechnic Chief Principal Geoffrey Andama and other TVET principals, assured trainees of continued support through mentorship, innovation programmes and investment opportunities.
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He challenged trainees to remain focused, disciplined and innovative, urging them to use their skills to invest in viable projects that can transform their lives and contribute to national development.
Olang further noted that the best exhibitors and performers at the regional event will represent the region at the national competition set to be held in Wote Town, Makueni County. Outstanding talents will also showcase their innovations during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir Town, Wajir County.
He described the exhibition as an important platform for shaping skills, strengthening the economy and transforming society, adding that the innovations and technical competencies displayed by trainees and institutions were of a high standard.
Regional Director Anderson Gichana appealed to young people to embrace technical training, saying it provides opportunities for employment, self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
“Technical skills are critical for the country’s industrial and economic growth. Youths with practical skills are able to create jobs and become self-reliant,” Gichana said.
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He emphasized the need for more technically skilled youth to support businesses and industries and drive Kenya’s industrial growth.
Kisii National Polytechnic Chief Principal Geoffrey Andama said TVET institutions are increasingly collaborating with industries to ensure trainees acquire practical skills and experience that prepare them for the workplace.
He noted that trainees spend significant time in industries during their training to gain hands-on experience and smoothly transition into employment after graduation.
Andama described TVET institutions as a key solution to youth unemployment and underemployment, adding that industries work closely with institutions in curriculum design, alignment and delivery to ensure training remains relevant to market needs.
“It is good to earn a degree, but it is equally important to acquire practical skills that enable individuals to become self-reliant and create jobs. We need more job creators, not just managers,” he said.
He added that industries also mentor trainees, while the fair provided participants with opportunities to showcase skills in competitions, research and research presentations.
By Emmanuel Gwakoi
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