In a significant move to align technical education with market demands, Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, has called for a comprehensive transformation of TVET institutions towards sustainability and industry-driven training models.
The PS made the declaration during a two-day consultative forum at Kiambu National Polytechnic that brought together TVET principals from across the country, emphasizing the urgent need to adapt the Modular Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system to contemporary economic needs.
Dr. Muoria challenged institutional leaders to move beyond traditional training approaches and strategically align their programs with three critical pillars: evolving labor market needs, emerging technologies, and sustainable practices.
“We must begin to deliberately work with the informal sector,” Dr. Muoria asserted. “There is a wealth of practical knowledge in our local markets. Why not build a working shed within our institutions and bring these artisans inside? When students are learning automotive engineering, they should interact with real craftsmen in real time.”
The PS also emphasized that income-generating activities initiated by institutions must enhance, rather than compromise, the quality of education delivery.
The forum served as a platform to assess the progress of the ongoing TVET reforms. Dr. David Mwangi, Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), commended the State Department’s leadership in rolling out the CBET reforms.
“Principals have made remarkable progress despite limited resources, and we remain fully committed to the transformation agenda,” Dr. Mwangi stated. “Several National Polytechnics have already rolled out Level Seven programmes, a clear sign that TVET is evolving into a full academic pathway that can take learners all the way to postgraduate studies.”
Adding to this, Prof. Kisilu Kitainge, Chief Executive of the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), reported positive outcomes from the modular CBET approach.
“Trainees are now gaining employable skills within shorter and more flexible learning periods,” Prof. Kitainge confirmed. “We currently have 11 modular courses under assessment, each with three to four units of competence, and 201 institutions—about half of all registered centers—participated in the recent assessments.”
The forum highlighted a pivotal shift in strategy, focusing on leveraging the knowledge and skills within Kenya’s vibrant informal sector. This approach aims to create a more dynamic and practical learning environment, ensuring that graduates possess skills that are immediately relevant to the economy.
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