Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to play a central role in driving Kenya’s economic transformation by equipping young people with practical and market-ready skills.
This is according to Rift Valley Regional Director of TVETs Peter Cheruiyot, who emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector through key reforms and investments.
Speaking during the inaugural graduation ceremony at Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College, where over 700 students graduated, Cheruiyot noted that TVET remains critical in preparing youth for both local and international job markets.
He highlighted several government-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing the sector, including:
- Implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET)
- Expansion of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Investment in modern infrastructure
- Adoption of digital learning tools
- Promotion of international job placement opportunities
“These efforts are meant to ensure that our trainees remain competitive in the global labour market,” he said.
Call for Timely Capitation Funds
At the same event, the Principal of Kericho Township TVC, Shadrack Tonui, who also serves as chairman of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), called on the State Department of TVET to ensure the timely release of capitation funds to institutions.
Tonui noted that delays in funding have contributed to rising wage bills and hindered smooth operations in training institutions.
He said timely disbursement would support:
- Infrastructure development
- Efficient management of wage obligations
- Timely issuance of grants and scholarships
- Improved stability and quality of training
Expansion Challenges Amid Growing Demand
The principal also raised concerns over limited space at the institution, revealing that the college is projecting an enrollment of up to 10,000 students within the next two years.
However, the current five-acre land hosting the institution is insufficient to accommodate such growth, posing a major challenge to expansion plans.
Despite the challenges, stakeholders reaffirmed the importance of continued investment in TVET as a pathway to addressing youth unemployment and driving sustainable economic growth.