70 TVETs to get Sh13 billion modern training equipment

Calvine Miras Otieno of Nyandarua Polytechnic showcases his automated vegetable cutting machine to President William Ruto during the Centenary Celebrations of TVET in Kenya, at Nyeri National Polytechnic, Nyeri County. [PCS]

Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET) sector is set for a major boost thanks to the partnership between the Kenyan and Chinese governments.

Plans are underway to provide modern training equipment to 70 TVETs across the country.

AVIC International, in collaboration with the Kenyan government, has already supplied equipment to 154 TVETs.

TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, emphasized the importance of quality equipment in training and skilling the workforce.

“Quality equipment plays a critical role in training and skilling trainees. In this regard, today I signed a Commercial Contract for the Supply of equipment to 70 TVETs, with AVIC International as the implementor,” Dr Muoria said.

She was speaking on Thursday after meeting Chinese government delegation in her office.

Dr Muoria reiterated the government's commitment to change the perception about TVETs and dispel the notion that they are only for those who don't qualify for university admission.

“In the past, going to TVET was like a punishment since it was perceived to be reserved for those who did not qualify for higher education. This perception has changed with thousands of learners who qualified to join universities opting to be absorbed in TVET,” she said.

With thousands of learners opting for TVET over universities, the narrative is shifting towards recognising the institutions as a crucial pathway to success.

To further enhance TVET training, the government has employed an additional 2,000 tutors.

“Last week, I conducted a spot check of the shortlisting for the recruitment of 2000 trainers. They will be recruited are expected to competently skill our trainees, the future of our country,” the PS said.

President William Ruto announced China's offer of Sh13 billion to equip 70 TVETs during centenary celebration of TVET in the country, emphasizing its importance in providing practical skills.

“I received good news from our friends in China who have offered Sh13 billion to equip 70 TVETs. The news is great as we celebrate 100 years. This is because if education is the key then TVET is the master key,” President Ruto said.

On May 2, Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, led PSs Muoria (TVET), Dr Belio Kipsang (Basic Education), Dr Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education and Research), during a courtesy call by the Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, Okaniwa Ken to discuss collaboration between in various sectors, including TVET.

Proposed areas of collaboration between Kenya and Japan include up-skilling TVET trainers, automation, artificial intelligence, and applied research.

Plans are underway to twin TVET colleges in Kenya with technical universities in Japan, to leverage on Japan's expertise in human capital development.

The Japanese government's longstanding partnership with Kenya in education underscores its commitment to fostering human capital development across various sectors in the country.

This collaboration signifies a step towards enhancing TVET education and aligning it with global standards and technological advancements.