Uasin Gishu County’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions recently presented the TVET Torch to the county government, marking a century of TVET in Kenya. This Torch symbolizes unlocking employment opportunities by equipping students with skills aligned with industry needs. During the Torch walk ceremony, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot and Turbo DCC, Charles Igiha, initiated the event. Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim expressed gratitude for receiving the Torch, emphasizing its significance in positioning TVET as pivotal for economic growth. Governor Chelilim highlighted TVET’s historical roots, noting its presence in pre-colonial times. He underlined the county’s commitment to supporting TVET institutions, recognizing their role in bridging skill gaps and enhancing employability in a competitive job market.
The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of updating learning resources and aligning curriculum with industry demands to ensure graduates are job-ready. Collaboration between industry and education was emphasized to provide relevant training and increase employability. Michael Rugut, TVET North Rift Regional Director, emphasized the ministry’s efforts to equip TVETs with modern equipment and recruit quality trainers to meet industry standards. The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) echoed the need for industry-aligned skills and praised government support in this endeavor. Dual Training, where students split coursework between classrooms and industries, was highlighted as a method to bridge the gap between education and job market needs. Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Charles Igiha affirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment and encouraged more youth to pursue TVETs for self-employment opportunities. Overall, the event emphasized the pivotal role of TVET in Kenya’s development, highlighting collaborative efforts between government, industry, and educational institutions to empower youth with relevant skills for the workforce.
