President Ruto spearheads festivities as Kenya’s TVETs commemorate their centennial anniversary
Students from various technical training institutes across Kenya convened at the Nyeri National Polytechnic (NNP) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) in the country.
The event attracted a significant turnout from both public and private TVETs, along with various non-state actors. Its primary objective was to reflect on the 100-year journey of TVETs in Kenya since 1924, assess the milestones achieved, and devise strategies to align TVETs with the evolving labor market and societal needs.
The celebrations commenced with the unveiling of the TVET Flame by President William Ruto, symbolizing the spirit of innovation and creativity among TVET students. The Centenary Flame will traverse all 47 counties over four months before reaching its final destination at The Kabete National Polytechnic.
During the relay, the Flame will promote the rebranded TVETs and spread a message of hope and prosperity through vocational training institutions.
The event featured vibrant exhibitions where students showcased their skills in various competitions. Moses Mugurwe, a third-year student at NNP, participating in a stitching competition, highlighted the importance of practical skills in technical education and the opportunity for students to interact and exchange ideas.
President Ruto announced a significant allocation of funds to TVETs, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing technical education. He outlined ongoing efforts to equip TVETs with state-of-the-art equipment and recruit additional tutors to support learning.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu reaffirmed the ministry’s focus on providing competency-based skills to the youth to meet industry demands. He emphasized the importance of industry-led learning programs and collaborations between TVETs and industries.
Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) National Governing Council Chairman David Mwangi outlined plans for the Centenary Flame relay across all TVETs in the country, culminating in a national conference at The Kabete National Polytechnic.
