Kenya is set to host a two-day conference that will bring together 12 African countries in Partnerships for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) in April 2024.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education said the conference is set to bring together different Ministers of Education to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing Africa’s capacity to produce a skilled workforce for modern industrial economies on the continent.
“The conference will draw Ministers of Education from 12 African countries to discuss strategies to strengthen Africa’s capabilities in preparing manpower needed for modern industrial economies in Africa,” the press release read in part.
The theme of the conference is, “Leveraging Technical, Vocational and Technical Training (TVET) in the knowledge and skills ecosystem for Africa’s industrialization.”
This marks a collaborative effort to address the critical shortage of skilled manpower in key areas requiring expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
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Education CS at KICD Breakfast Meeting
On Wednesday, 31 ,2024 Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu convened a breakfast meeting with key development partners at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
Present at the meeting were Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for University Education and Research, and Dr. Esther Muoria, overseeing Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET).
Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations in the Ministry of Education and senior education officers were also present, underscoring the collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach to addressing Africa’s educational challenges.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing the skills and knowledge gaps in critical areas, Machogu emphasized the potential of PASET in contributing to the continent’s development.
“PASET has the potential to help the continent address the skills and knowledge gaps in the areas,” said Education CS.
He also noted that PASET, an Africa-led initiative, focuses on building skills for key economic sectors that support Africa’s socio-economic transformation, spanning from the upper-secondary/TVET level to postgraduate education and scientific research.
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Additionally, UNICEF Representative to Kenya, Shaheen Nilofer, stressed the importance of nurturing skills from the early years of a child’s life.
The briefing session also saw the participation of notable development partners such as the World Bank, USAID, International Labour Organization, and UNHCR.
About PASET
With 12-member countries, including Rwanda, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Benin, Tanzania, Somalia, Burkina Faso, and Kenya, the PASET program is governed by African Education Ministers, scientists, development experts, business leaders, and African academics.
The skill partnership is facilitated by the World Bank.
