TVETA: Inside plans to boost middle level training

 CS Ezekiel Machogu speaks during the launch of the National Education Sector Strategic Plan at the Kenya School of Government on June 6, 2024. [Robert Tomno, Standard]

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has launched a series of initiatives aimed at advancing middle-level training and skills development in Kenya.

These initiatives include the launch of the TVETA Strategic Plan, the Kenya Journal of TVET, and the roadmap for Team Kenya’s participation in the WorldSkills International competition scheduled for September 10-15, 2024, in Lyon, France.

This is part of TVETA’s commitment to fostering a competent workforce capable of meeting both local and international job market demands.

The TVETA Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is designed to deliver a competent workforce for sustainable development and to develop a TVET system that meets national aspirations.

The plan focuses on key result areas such as quality and relevance, access, equality and inclusivity, governance and management, funding and financing, and technology integration and knowledge management.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, pointed to the importance of the Strategic Plan in addressing the challenges faced in providing quality and relevant training in TVET institutions.

“The plan is a hallmark of the Authority’s commitment towards mitigating some of the challenges faced in providing quality and relevant training in TVET institutions among other key things,” Machogu said.

The statement was read on his behalf by the Director of Vocational and Tertiary Affairs, Mengeech Ronoh.

Machogu challenged the Authority and the entire education sector to plan and implement relevant and market-driven programmes to uplift the youth going forward.

“The TVET Authority Board and Management have a huge task to make the education, training and research sector proud by executing this strategic plan, which undoubtedly will create a globally competitive workforce ready for the local and international job market,” said Machogu.

The chairperson TVETA Board, Prof. Florence Indede said the TVETA’s current staff establishment, consisting of 71 employees (36 technical and 34 corporate services staff), is below the required level.

“This is brought about by the expanded mandate of regional offices and the need for functional optimization, hence the Authority plans to review and enhance its staff capacity,” said Prof Indede.

She revealed that, during the strategic plan period, TVETA aims to recruit 14 technical and four corporate services staff, moving towards a 70:30 ratio of technical to corporate services staff.

She further said the Authority will undertake Training Needs Assessments (TNA) every two years and at least one Skills Gap Analysis every five years.

“The focus will be on improving human resource productivity through a conducive work environment, competitive staff reward and recognition frameworks, remote working policies, and enhanced human resource practices,” Prof Indede said.

Prof Indede observed that successful implementation of the strategic plan will require efficient utilization of financial resources.

“The Authority’s budget for the plan period is estimated at Sh3.31 billion. However, with the expected Sh2.5 billion from the exchequer, the authority is projecting a resource gap of Sh807.5 million,” she added.

Strategies to bridge this gap she said include lobbying with the National Treasury for adequate funding, enhancing revenue collection, and developing funding and partnership proposals.

“TVETA will prioritize efficient and timely resource utilization through monitoring and evaluation guidelines, adherence to budget allocations, and prudent use of resources,” she said.

Measures such as integrating ICT in operations, pooling resources, outsourcing non-core activities, and adopting greening approaches will be implemented to optimize organizational efficiency.

The launch also featured the unveiling of Volume Seven of the Kenya Journal of TVET, an annual peer-reviewed publication.

This journal disseminates research findings within the TVET sector and attracts researchers from across the country and beyond.

It serves as a vital resource for extracting data and action points to assist in policy formulation and informed decision-making regarding the TVET sector.

Tveta Director General Dr Kipkirui Langat said the strategic plan prioritizes and aligns the authority’s operations with institutions and industries.

“Tvet is regarded as a solid foundation for the delivery of market-oriented and employment-enhancing skills, required for improving national productivity and accelerated economic growth,” Kipkirui said.

“This strategic plan provides a clear roadmap for the authority to promote quality, relevant, accessible and inclusive TVET systems with dynamic industry partnership.”

Dr Kipkirui noted that the authority’s plan is to deliver a competent workforce that meets national and global needs and aspirations.

“the strategic plan has provided an opportunity to take stock of the past achievements, gaps and opportunities that lie ahead and will form the basis for formulating our annual work plans,” he said.

TVETA also used the event to launch the roadmap for Team Kenya’s participation in the WorldSkills International Competition, aimed at promoting skills development and inspiring young individuals to pursue careers in trades and technologies.

The competition will feature nine skills areas, including mechatronics, mechanical CAD, CNC turning, welding, water technology, computer network cabling, restaurant service, and culinary arts.