President William Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering technical and vocational education to bolster the nation’s ability to provide practical training. The primary aim is to harness the potential of young individuals to make positive contributions to economic development through technical vocational education and training (TVET).
President Ruto highlighted that the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is tailored to expedite economic progress by investing in pivotal pillars that generate employment opportunities for numerous skilled youth. He stressed the importance of concurrently equipping millions of young Kenyans with the requisite education, training, and skills to enhance their productivity in a dynamic, globalized, and competitive job market.
These remarks were made during the centennial commemorations of TVET in Kenya at the Nyeri National Polytechnic. Notable attendees included Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, as well as MPs and MCAs.
The President articulated the government’s determination to ensure that each constituency hosts a TVET college within the next two years. Currently, there are 24 national polytechnics and 272 technical and vocational colleges across the country, with plans to complete 16 more by the 2024/2025 financial year. In the current fiscal year, KSh28.3 billion has been allocated to TVET institutions, with a commitment to progressively increase this budgetary allocation until an optimal investment level is reached.
Furthermore, the government is in the process of recruiting 2,000 TVET tutors, with the objective of doubling the total number to 4,000. President Ruto also announced that Kenya has secured KSh13 billion from China to enhance 70 TVET institutions with cutting-edge equipment, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to providing its youth with world-class skills, knowledge, and technology.
Regarding the establishment of ICT hubs in the country’s 1,450 wards and TVET institutions nationwide, President Ruto highlighted the significance of imparting essential skills to young people, opening up new online opportunities. He emphasized leveraging the digital space and the talent of the youth to drive the economy through digital employment.
Additionally, the government has inked 19 bilateral labor agreements with various countries to broaden opportunities for Kenyan citizens. President Ruto affirmed the government’s commitment to combatting alcoholism and drug abuse, which he identified as hindrances to the nation’s growth trajectory.
Governor Kahiga underscored the importance of investing in technical education and training to cultivate a proficient and efficient workforce essential for executing government initiatives. He emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to support programs such as affordable housing.
Education Cabinet Secretary Machogu lauded TVET for producing individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s development agenda.
