Magoha says TVETs hold key to bridging skills gap

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha wants Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVETs) institutions to avoid being examination-oriented. Speaking at the Kisumu National Polytechnic during its 9th graduation ceremony yesterday, the CS told TVET tutors to focus on equipping learners with vital skills.

“This is to ensure that when they go out there, they do not have to look for jobs but jobs will be looking for them. The polytechnics must no longer be places where they lay cabro blocks or construct laboratories and libraries but must now have plants producing their brands to sell to the public,” he said.

Magoha said the idea of students regurgitating theories when working in laboratories with their teachers ought to stop.

“I encourage teachers to stop it and allow learners to get their hands on it. There must not be any friendship on training. For the past 30 years, I never heard of buildings collapsing until recently, so our tutors must ensure those they train are better,” he said. He added: “The most competent surgeons I trained did not like my face but now I think they respect me,” he said.

The CS, at the same time, asked Kenyans to embrace TVET learning and stop the negative attitude towards the institutions.

“As we train, we should stop this tendency of going to the university. There is glory in every job. For the past 10 years, universities have been producing graduates with papers who keep looking for jobs for 10 to 20 years. Yet in the TVET sector, even if you go to the vocational level, you learn a skill that allows you to do something that the community around you needs every day and so you get a job,” he said.

He told learners that they are not being trained to work in Kenya but the world that has shortage of skilled personnel.

“There is a shortage for plumbers worldwide but in Kenya, it is linked to the mindset, and plumbers here now feel out of place. I want to encourage you to enjoy what you do and change the mindset,” he added.

Kisumu Polytechnic Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye said the 9th graduation affirms strides the polytechnic has made from increased student population to quality and market-driven training programmes.

“The student population now stands at 10,041 and 265 trainers. The polytechnic continues to mold students in academics and co-curricular activities. We also enjoy cordial relationships with government and stakeholders,” she added.

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo’ said TVET in Kenya was important ingredient in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. 

“This explains why Kisumu and other county governments are attaching serious importance to TVET and hence our close relationship with the Kisumu National Polytechnic. As a county, we are sincerely committed to building a vibrant TVET sector up to the ward levels because we believe these are the institutions that will be the best way to create jobs for our young people,” said the governor.

About 3,000 students graduated yesterday.