Murang'a: Officers from the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education Training have urged young people from Murang'a County to enrol with TVET institutions, as the government emphasizes a shift from classroom-based learning to hands-on workshop training.

According to Kenya News Agency, during an outreach exercise at Kigumo Technical Training Institute, TVET officer Catherine Ngari highlighted the department's focus on practical training. This approach aims to ensure learners graduate with industry-ready skills that are directly applicable to employment or self-employment. Ngari emphasized, "TVET training is moving from the classroom to the workshop, where learners acquire practical skills that can directly translate into jobs or self-employment," urging youth to seize the opportunities within technical institutions.

Ngari noted that the programme targets school leavers who risk idleness at home, stressing that the government has invested in modern equipment, workshops, and competency-based curricula to align training with labour market demands.

Kigumo Technical Training Institute Principal, Jennifer Gachago, also addressed the forum, underscoring the government's dedication to technical education. She noted the increasing number of TVET institutions and the enhancement of training facilities nationwide. Gachago stated, "There are more than 240 TVET institutions nationally and the government continues to strengthen them to ensure learners gain relevant, hands-on skills."

Gachago encouraged secondary school graduates to select courses based on their interests and abilities and highlighted that Kigumo Technical Training Institute offers market-driven courses supported by modern workshops and training machinery. She added, "We will continue to sensitise young people about the importance of joining TVET institutions. Murang'a County has more than five TVET institutions, which are well equipped and offer learning opportunities to hundreds of young people."

However, Gachago expressed concerns about delays in the release of government capitation funds, pointing out that this issue has led some financially vulnerable learners to temporarily disrupt their studies.

Assistant County Commissioner for Muthithi Division, Jonathan Wandera, emphasized that TVET education plays a crucial role beyond skills acquisition by keeping young people engaged and away from negative social behaviours. "When young people are enrolled in training and actively learning a skill, they are occupied and have little time to engage in drug abuse or other criminal activities," Wandera remarked, noting the significant contribution of TVET institutions to community safety and social stability.

Students who attended the sensitisation exercise welcomed the initiative, recognizing that TVET institutions equip them with practical skills that enhance self-reliance and improve their employment prospects.

The sensitisation drive is set to continue in other parts of Murang'a County as the government seeks to boost enrolment in technical training institutions and empower more youth with essential skills.