Kenya’s State Department Spearheads TVET Sector Reforms to Address Labor Market Needs

Naivasha – The Kenyan Government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is actively engaged in implementing transformative reforms in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. These reforms are aimed at making TVET responsive to the evolving demands of the labor market, as stated by the State Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Principal Secretary, Esther Muoria.

According to Kenya News Agency, the reforms, which are part of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, focus on the periodic review of TVET curriculum to align it with job market needs. Speaking at a workshop in Naivasha for officials of 13 newly established national polytechnics in the country, she emphasized that these reforms go beyond policy actions and are foundational for the future of Kenya’s TVET sector and the nation. The workshop aimed to sensitize officials on The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) for new National Polytechnics and also served as a platform for collaboration and idea exchange on curriculum development, training, assessment, and certification.

The reforms are designed to correct trade imbalances, reduce trade barriers, and increase the volume and quality of exportable products. Dr. Muoria underscored the critical role of strong links between TVET institutions and the industry in fostering a responsive education and training system that benefits individual trainees and the broader economy.

The TVET sector reforms align with the latest skills needs survey by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), which highlights significant demand for TVET skills in the workforce, including in transport and logistics, electrical expertise, building and construction, and various engineering fields.

Dr. Muoria noted the Ministry of Education is implementing these reforms through the recruitment and retraining of trainers and a shift to Competency Based Education Training (CBET) programs. Alice Kande, Acting CEO of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), emphasized KNQA’s role in harmonizing national qualifications and urged TVET institutions to register their qualifications as per legal requirements.

Kande highlighted the KNQA’s commitment to building capacity in curriculum development, Competence-Based Education and Training, and assessment and certification standards. She also stressed the importance of regulatory bodies in setting standards and adapting training to meet industry needs.

The KNQA coordinates the development of Occupational Standards (OS) by the industry, which forms the basis for assessing and measuring qualifications. Kande emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Regulatory Bodies, Training Institutions, Employers, and NGOs, to develop competitive qualifications that meet industry needs through comprehensive labor market analysis.

These reforms are crucial for creating globally competitive, quality, and relevant qualifications that contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development.