Innovative training in TVETs is vital in driving sustainable development in Africa, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has stated.
The PS, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, was speaking during the 54th International Conference of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) at the Lake Naivasha Resort on Tuesday.
Dr. Muoria emphasized the transformative power of TVET in shaping the future of Africa’s youth, whom she termed as the continent’s greatest asset.
She highlighted the success of Ujuzi Manyattani, a programme creating awareness regarding vocational skills to Kenya’s remote pastoralist communities.
The PS cited the story of Peter Lepedo, who despite losing a leg to cattle rustling, has built a thriving mobile phone repair business after receiving training and support through the programme.
“Mr. Lepedo is just one of the many who have benefited from innovative training methodologies for sustainable impartation of skills and competencies,” she noted.
Muoria also called for re-evaluation of TVET curricula to align with the needs of the modern job market, stressing the need for strong industry partnerships, hands-on learning experiences, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
She noted that the innovative deployment of TVET practices will solve the challenge of rising youth unemployment and the need for economic diversification.
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Further, the PS highlighted that Kenya’s participation in the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) was a significant step toward harmonizing education standards across the continent.
Dr. Muoria urged stakeholders to explore innovative financing models for TVET, leveraging both public and private sector investments to ensure high-quality training and long-term sustainability.
The conference, themed; ‘Revolutionizing TVET in Africa: Embracing Innovations for Sustainable Development.’ aimed at providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss how TVET systems across the continent can be enhanced to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Also in attendance were; Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Julius Ogamba, AU Commission representatives and Nakuru county Governor Susan Kihika.
By Frank Mugwe
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