Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has announced changes in the intake calendar for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Speaking on Friday, April 5 during the Nyeri National Polytechnic graduation ceremony, Machogu said TVET colleges will be allowed to admit students throughout the year, a departure from the once-in-a-year system that has been in use.
“Following the directive to streamline TVET operations, it is expected that TVET institutions shall be admitting trainees in all semesters of the year as opposed to the conventional one major annual intake,” Machogu said.
Machogu revealed that the government, through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) will provide funding to applicant trainees who enroll during the various intakes.
He explained that TVET is one of the most significant tools in combating poverty and bridging the skills gap hence the funds and the changes.
“This will ensure that there is a constant output of skilled manpower at any one given time in a year,” he said.
“It will also promote optimal use of equipment in our TVET institutions since enrolment of potential candidates in the Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes, whose duration may be long or short term will be increased.”
Machogu on Competence Based Education Training
Machogu said the implementation of the CBET curriculum promotes equipping of trainees with necessary skills to thrive in an economy marred with increasing unemployment.
He went on to note that the ministry has developed and rolled out more than 500 CBET curricula in different public TVET institutions.
In addition, the State Department for TVET and National Polytechnics is exploring pathways in which the courses will be broken down into micro, partial and full qualifications for training of specific skills to meet market demand.
Pathways to allow the progression of trainees who opt to begin with micro-credentials will be made available to enable and encourage them to progress to partial and full qualifications of a particular course.
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TVET Creating Jobs in Schools
The CS further commended tertiary institution to create industries within their premises as part of their training, research, and innovation projects.
He applauded Nyeri National Polytechnic for harnessing its prowess in Agriculture and Food Technology through production and commercialization of its own brand of yoghurt.
In so doing, Machogu said the Polytechnic is also providing a practical training ground for trainees pursuing related courses.
Jitume Digital Programme
Machogu also revealed that his ministry together with the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy delivered 10,780 Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDIs) to 113 TVET institutions Jitume Digital Enablement Programme.
This, he stated, has resulted in the training of over 20,000 youths in digital and online job skills enabling them to earn from the ventures.
“I call upon the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy to expedite delivery of VDIs to the remaining TVET institutions to increase access for more trainees and youths,” he stated.
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Funding TVET Trainees
Machogu also said the government has enhanced accessibility, inclusivity, and equity to tertiary education through the new funding model rolled out in May 2023.
He explained that students from humble backgrounds (band one) are required to contribute only 7.5% of the tuition fee.
The CS said all the trainees receive an upkeep commensurate whereby, trainees in band one benefit with up to Ksh18,600 upkeeps.
Machogu Seeks Foreign Jobs for TVET Graduates
Additionally, Machogu said the ministry is seeking international jobs to facilitate labour export and open up new avenues for our skilled workforce in the international market.
The CS announced that 315 TVET agricultural trainees will be heading to the United Kingdom under the HOPS-UK Seasonal Workers program as from May 2024.
