The County Government of Nakuru is urging young people to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to address the growing skills gap in the modern job market.
Changing Perceptions About TVETs
According to County Executive for Education, Zipporah Wambui, it is critical for Kenyan youth to shift their focus from diminishing white-collar jobs to technical training. She emphasized that TVETs offer skills essential for entrepreneurship and self-reliance, debunking the misconception that technical courses are for academic failures.
“Our students should not be ashamed of joining TVETs. These institutions equip trainees with the knowledge and skills to become job creators rather than job seekers,” she said.
Governor Susan Kihika’s administration has prioritized TVETs as a key pillar for youth empowerment and economic growth by offering practical skills through internships and attachments.
Revamping Nakuru’s Technical Training Ecosystem
Speaking at the 10th graduation ceremony at Adept Institute of Technology and Professional Studies in Nakuru, Wambui outlined the county’s efforts to:
- Upgrade youth polytechnics and TVET institutions to align with industry needs.
- Implement a blended training model combining theoretical and practical instruction in real-world environments.
- Partner with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and private companies to provide hands-on training opportunities.
- Equip TVETs with modern tools and technology to match global standards.
Currently, Nakuru County boasts 24 youth polytechnics across 11 sub-counties, including accredited institutions like the Dairy Training Institute in Naivasha and the Rift Valley National Polytechnic in Njoro.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The county government has set aside funds to upgrade vocational training centers, aiming to increase enrollment and improve standards. The institutions are also being encouraged to initiate income-generating projects to foster self-reliance and enhance practical learning.
Josephine Achieng, County Executive for Youth, Gender, Culture, and Social Services, highlighted that TVETs offer unique courses not available at universities, preparing youth for job-market demands. Achieng stressed the importance of partnerships between TVET institutions and industries to develop specialized short-term courses in areas like entrepreneurship to sharpen graduates’ business acumen.
National Alignment and Future Goals
The National Government has introduced new technical and vocational courses under the Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework to address market demands. Rosemary Kimani, Deputy Director for TVET, affirmed the transformative role of technical training in bridging the skills gap, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment.
Kimani noted that with 500,000–800,000 graduates entering the job market annually, technical skills are crucial for reducing unemployment and enhancing employability.
The county administration remains dedicated to building partnerships with private sectors and research institutions to align training programs with evolving market trends and consumer needs.
