This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has announced a major shift in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, with all courses set to transition to competency-based education starting January 2020.
Speaking during the 3rd graduation of Kisii National University in Kisii County on Thursday, Dr. Ruto emphasized the importance of this change, stating that it will be the responsibility of the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certificate Council (CDAC) to supervise TVET students, not the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).
Dr. Ruto noted that proper infrastructure has been put in place to ensure the successful implementation of the program, citing the mechanical workshop in Kisii National Polytechnic as a prime example.
He also highlighted the government's efforts to fund projects in TVET institutions, including the training of staff in engineering at Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology.
As part of the efforts to make TVET attractive for Kenyans, Dr. Ruto announced that the government has reduced fees charged in such institutions by more than half, besides increasing capitation per student from Sh 17,000 to Sh 30,000 annually.
Dr. Ruto emphasized the government's recognition of the vital role played by TVET in achieving the country's national development goals, stating that investing heavily in vocational training remains key to the attainment of the country's development goals as contained in the Vision 2030.
He also announced that the government was reviewing the duration spent by students pursuing Diploma and Certificate courses at TVET institutions.
Dr. Ruto's announcement comes as part of the government's efforts to make technical and vocational training a mainstream in its education systems, as a measure to provide the much-needed skilled manpower.
He noted that technical education holds the power to expand the society's ability to discover and create new interventions to fulfill a better future for the youth.
Dr. Ruto emphasized that the improvement of roads, connection of electricity to households, and the housing project under the Big Four will only benefit the youths if they have knowledge and skills to work in the industrial cities the government intends to establish across the country.
He also stated that the ongoing discussions about unemployment in the country would only be addressed with more focus on technical education.
Dr. Ruto's announcement was met with praise from the institution's chair of Council, Amin Shamji, and Principal, Daniel Nyariki, who commended the government for upgrading the institution from a village polytechnic to a national polytechnic.
Mr. Shamji noted that technical training institutions will continue to play a critical role in the development of the country's economy.
As part of the efforts to make TVET attractive for Kenyans, Dr. Ruto also announced that the government is providing financial support in loans and bursaries to learners.
He emphasized that the government recognizes the vital role played by TVET in achieving the country's national development goals, and that investing heavily in vocational training remains key to the attainment of the country's development goals as contained in the Vision 2030.
