Nandi:Governor Stephen Sang has urged the Ministry of Education to reassess the courses offered in technical and vocational training institutions to ensure they equip students with the necessary practical skills to secure jobs swiftly.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Sang emphasized the need for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to adopt modularized training. This approach would allow students to acquire specific skills in shorter periods, enabling them to seek employment or start businesses and return later for further training.
Governor Sang highlighted the mismatch between current training programs and labor market demands, suggesting that modular training could bridge this gap and help young people become economically productive without prolonged college education. He shared these views during the graduation ceremony of 378 trainees from the KCB Foundation’s Tujiajiri program in Nandi, noting that the modular training approach, though resisted by some institutions, has shown potential to transform skills development.
The national government has directed all technical institutes to offer modularized training, allowing trainees to complete six-month modules, enter the workforce, and return for additional training. Sang cited the Tujiajiri program as proof of the model’s practicality and success in equipping youth with employable skills.
Additionally, Governor Sang called for the Ministry of Education to review technical and vocational training programs to ensure they meet industry requirements and reduce the time from training to employment. He argued that Kenya’s industrialization ambitions depend on a robust technical skills base, drawing comparisons to Germany’s success in industrial development through vocational education.
Sang criticized the focus on academic qualifications and white-collar jobs over practical skills, highlighting Kenya’s reliance on imports for basic manufactured products. He urged young people to respect and pursue technical professions like plumbing and electrical work, which offer competitive earnings.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding technical and vocational education through county vocational training centers (VTCs), investing in modern equipment, infrastructure, and learning resources. The recent graduates from the Tujiajiri program, trained across 10 centers in Nandi County, received certification from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and tools to begin their careers immediately.
Governor Sang praised the KCB Foundation for supporting the county’s efforts to enhance vocational training, complementing government investments in preparing youth for employment.
