Nairobi: Principals of all National Polytechnics in Kenya gathered at Kabete Polytechnic for a meeting with a delegation from Australia as part of collaborative efforts to improve the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting was attended by several key figures, including Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Ambassador Wilson Kogo; Education Attach© at the High Commission, Ms. Florah Mulatya; and Mr. Zac Gikandi, a Senior Officer at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) in Australia. The meeting aimed to provide valuable insights into the Australian TVET system and explore potential areas for collaboration.
This initiative follows last year’s launch of the Jitume initiative at the same venue, a youth program aimed at providing jobs through digital and online technology. During that event, President Ruto emphasized the vital role of TVET institutions in driving economic growth and announced plans for collaboration with foreign countries, including Germany and Australia, to enhance the TVET sector.
Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, presided over the meeting and highlighted the critical role of TVET principals and practitioners in equipping youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive global market.
The discussions focused on key areas of collaboration, such as the upskilling of TVET trainers, curriculum exchange between Kenya and Australia, and facilitating labor mobility for TVET graduates to Australia. Dr. Muoria stressed the importance of building networks between Kenyan and Australian institutions to foster long-term collaborative relationships with an emphasis on a competency-based curriculum.
Dr. Muoria also acknowledged the significance of exchange programs for faculty and students. “Consideration of student and faculty exchange programs will also ease sharing of knowledge and best teaching practices and enhance cross-cultural understanding, aligning with the industry goals and creating a sustainable and long-term partnership that will directly lead to employment opportunities,” she stated.
The meeting concluded with Dr. Muoria recognizing the efforts of Ambassador Wilson Kogo for his unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the implementation of TVETs that address both local and global market needs.