Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i plans to boost technical colleges in Kenya

Chairman Kenya National Qualification Authority Prof Bonaventure Kerre, University of Eldoret and Principal Secretary State Department of Vocational Training Ministry of Education Dr Dinah Mwinzi during re-branding of TVETA on Wednesday in Nairobi, June 29, 2016. CS Matiang'i says his ministry is reviewing the curriculum with a view to expanding technical and vocational colleges. (PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/ STANDARD)

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i says his ministry is reviewing the curriculum with a view to expanding technical and vocational colleges.

He underscored the role of Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) in the country's economic growth.

Dr Matiang'i said the planned review would make basic education relevant to the current needs and propel the country towards achieving Vision 2030.

The Government has expanded national polytechnics from two to 11 in addition to technical teachers training colleges.

"This expansion is in line with the curriculum review in basic education. As you are aware, the ministry is undertaking a curriculum review. The curriculum is expected to make education relevant to the needs of the 21st century," he said.

He added: "The curriculum review will require expansion of TVET institutions to absorb large numbers of trainees transiting from primary and secondary."

In a speech read on his behalf by the Vocational and Technical Training Principal Secretary Dinah Mwinzi during a breakfast meeting in Nairobi, the CS said curriculum review was part of the ministry's effort to brand and make technical colleges attractive to learners.

The function was attended by various stakeholders in the education sector and media.

"A critical mass of skills in a country attracts investors. However, a proper skills mix is required. As we expand on the hard skills areas in TVET, we should not forget soft skills areas needed to attract major global investors," said Matiang'i.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority board chairman Wilson Ogola said the country requires a skilled middle-level workforce to boost the country's economy.

And Standard Group's Editorial Director Joseph Odindo said the media was committed to helping the authority in rebranding middle-level colleges.

"We at the Standard are fully committed to the development of middle-level colleges because they are an important cog," he said.

He said the media would assist in making information about the colleges available to people who need it.

"We want to assure you that we are committed to creating awareness," he added.

Higher Education Loans Board Chief Executive Officer Charles Ringera said the board had both bursaries and loans for learners in the technical colleges.