Kenya faces a pressing paradox: thousands of young people graduate from universities each year into a shrinking job market, leaving many with dwindling hope. This crisis has forced graduates to seek opportunities abroad, sometimes falling prey to traffickers, or accept menial work unrelated to their studies.
Amidst this challenge, however, a promising alternative is gaining ground. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are emerging as beacons of practical skills and employment readiness, drawing increased attention from both students and the government.
The Shift from University to Technical Skills
Faced with a dire employment landscape, a growing number of secondary school leavers are bypassing university for hands-on courses at tertiary institutions. This pragmatic shift aims to equip them with directly marketable skills to secure a place in the competitive economy.
Recognizing this trend and the urgency of the unemployment crisis, the government is moving swiftly to revamp polytechnics and technical institutes. These institutions are crucial for absorbing the many young people who do not secure university placements.
Government Puts TVET at the Centre of Development
During a recent graduation of 1,500 students at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos underscored the government’s commitment. He stated that TVET is central to driving Kenya’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Vision 2030, and industrialization.
“This commitment is not just achievable through rhetoric but in actions through policies, strategic investments and continued support,” Migos noted.
Key government initiatives include:
Ambitious Enrollment Targets: Aiming to grow TVET trainees from 700,000 to 2 million by 2027.
Modernization and Inclusion: Investing in modern equipment and establishing more institutions.
Financial Support: Implementing a student-centred funding model offering scholarships and loans based on need.
Rebranding TVET: The Ministry of Education is running campaigns to counter negative perceptions and highlight TVET as a pathway to lucrative careers and entrepreneurship.
Cross-Sectoral Support and Economic Benefits
The focus on TVET has garnered support across government. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano applauded the efforts, noting her ministry directly benefits from skilled TVET graduates in hospitality and tourism.
She highlighted the dual approach of revamping TVET while also helping youths source overseas jobs, preparing them for both employment and self-employment to meet market demands.
The Call for Stronger Safeguards and Job Creation
Despite these efforts, concerns remain. The article underscores the need for the government to “flex its muscles” against unscrupulous companies that exploit youths with false overseas job promises, a menace that risks undermining legitimate opportunities.
Furthermore, analysts urge that establishing a conducive environment for industries to thrive is paramount. Sustainable job creation, they argue, requires robust private sector growth to absorb the skilled workforce being developed.
source: KNA