Nakuru: Nakuru County Government is undertaking significant measures to revamp its Youth Polytechnics and Technical Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVETs) to equip learners with industry-responsive skills aimed at bridging the existing skills gap. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the institutions’ leadership and improve management of human and financial resources.
According to Kenya News Agency, Jacqueline Osoro, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service Management, emphasized the importance of continuous audits and capacity building for managers and instructors. The institutions are being supported to initiate income-generating activities, promoting self-reliance and practical project management education.
Ms. Osoro highlighted the impact of globalization, technological transformation, and increased competition due to liberalization, underscoring the necessity of revamping youth polytechnics and TVETs. Her remarks came during a visit from students and
tutors of Kitale National Polytechnic, who toured facilities such as a Digital Hub and a Textile Hub in Nakuru Town East Sub-County.
The County Government is collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and private companies to ensure students gain hands-on experience by spending half of their training time in relevant industries. Nakuru County hosts 24 youth polytechnics across its 11 sub-counties, with TVETA accrediting two public TVET institutions and 18 private ones.
Ms. Osoro revealed that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration has allocated funds for youth empowerment initiatives, upgrading facilities at Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to meet standards and boost youth enrollment. The county is exploring a training model combining theoretical and practical experiences in real-life work environments.
Efforts are underway to update training equipment to reflect technological advancements, with a commitment to enrolling more youths in courses not offered at the university level. Ms.
Osoro noted the importance of enterprise-training center partnerships, likening them to the success seen in Western economies since the 19th century.
The CECM acknowledged the private sector’s role in formal employment but pointed out mismatches between TVET offerings and industry needs. She urged partnerships to develop specialized short-term courses to enhance graduates’ business skills. The county aims to collaborate with the private sector in research focusing on market changes and consumer trends to improve technical training.
The National Government has introduced new technical and vocational courses under the Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) policy to deliver industry-responsive skills. The CECM stressed the need for an effective TVET system for the achievement of the Big Four Government agenda and Vision 2030.
Governor Kihika assured that the county would cover part of the school fees for public polytechnic students, inspired by parental support and goodwill, to increase enrollment.