Nakuru: The State Department for Post-Training and Skills Development has called for enhanced collaboration between national and county governments in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to ensure that TVET institutions offer relevant, high-quality training that meets local and national market-driven needs and standards. Director of Technical Education at the State Department Dr. Meshack Opwora explained that effective collaboration between the national and county governments was vital for successful regulatory efforts in the TVET sector, as it ensured alignment with national development goals and regional needs.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Opwora cited key areas of cooperation between the two levels of government, including curriculum development, trainer accreditation, quality assurance processes, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that the collaboration was critical in developing and enforcing standards, regulations, and guidelines for TVET institutions, programs, and trainers. This includes standards in accreditation, registration, and licensing of providers.
Dr. Opwora highlighted that Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) was the primary body for regulating and coordinating TVET, including accreditation of institutions, programs, and trainers, while county governments played a vital role in supporting and monitoring the quality of training within their jurisdictions. His remarks were made at the Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP) during the close of a two-day stakeholders’ engagement and dissemination forum on the 2023/24 Quality Audit Report compiled by TVETA.
The forum aimed to present findings from the audit covering 416 institutions across 30 counties, including national polytechnics, public and private TVETs, and county vocational training centers, fostering dialogue on improving the quality of technical training in Kenya. Dr. Opwora pointed out that the national government, through the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Vocational Education and Training and the TVET Authority, set national policies and standards for TVET, while county governments were responsible for implementing these policies at the local level.
Further, the collaboration involves regular consultations and joint technical committees to ensure alignment and effective implementation of policies. The Director reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening TVET institutions to support the ongoing transition to the new competency-based curriculum (CBC), marking a shift towards competency-based learning, reinforcing its role in national development under Vision 2030.
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the State Department for TVETs, TVETA Board, County Governments, Ministry of Education, National Administration, and heads of institutions. Dr. Opwora emphasized that TVET reforms were essential in ensuring that graduates acquired practical skills needed in Kenya’s evolving job market. Reforms included aligning TVET curricula with emerging sectors like digital technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, increased funding, and stronger industry partnerships.
Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, ICT, e-Government, and Public Communication Ms. Zipporah Wambui reaffirmed the devolved unit’s commitment to vocational training as a driver of economic transformation. She cited ongoing infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and support initiatives as part of the County’s strategy to enhance access, equity, and quality, citing partnerships between Nakuru Vocational Training Colleges and national institutions to boost youth skills.
Ms. Wambui stated that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration had committed to making significant investments in tertiary institutions to accommodate the increasing number of students and ensure access to higher education. Consequently, the county has embarked on transforming various vocational training centers to align them with current market trends.
She emphasized the growing need for students to pursue technical education in light of the rising number of high school graduates, urging students to explore technical fields critical to shaping Kenya’s economic future. The County Government is championing a dual Technical Vocational Education Training program, combining theoretical instruction with practical workplace training, to address Kenya’s growing demand for digital and technical skills.
Ms. Wambui concluded by stating that Nakuru County has 24 youth polytechnics spread across the 11 sub-counties, supported by initiatives like the Sh30,000 capitation fund per trainee, infrastructure improvement, and staffing, aimed at building a workforce that will propel Nakuru County to an economic giant in the future.