Nyandarua: The National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) have been tasked with collaborating more closely with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to encourage greater youth enrollment in vocational training programs. This initiative aims to equip young people with employable skills and address issues of drug and substance abuse.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a stakeholders’ engagement forum at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Dr. Esther Mworia, the Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the TVET sector and the NGAO team. She highlighted that administrators have direct access to grassroots communities, which is crucial for increasing enrollment in these programs.
Dr. Mworia pointed out that financial constraints often prevent young people, especially from low-income families, from pursuing further education. She stressed that TVET institutions offer practical and affordable pathways to employment and self-reliance. She called on NGAO officers to lead awareness campaigns about the benefits of technical training and support the ongoing enrollment drive in Nyandarua County, where low student enrollment is a concern.
Dr. Mworia noted that about 1.2 million learners are currently enrolled in TVET institutions nationwide. The government aims to increase this number to two million by the end of the year. Despite the ongoing efforts, she acknowledged that achieving full funding for TVET students will take time due to resource constraints.
The Principal Secretary also discussed the government’s Kazi Majuu initiative, which allows graduates to gain international work experience. She announced plans to assess and certify artisans to expand the pool of nationally recognized skilled workers, a move crucial for attracting investors.
Dr. Alice Kande, CEO of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), assured stakeholders that the authority is committed to ensuring qualifications are recognized both nationally and internationally. Certification by KNQA aims to protect learners from fake certificates and enhance their employment prospects.
Simon Ngatia, Central Region TVET Chairperson, reported that aggressive marketing efforts have significantly improved enrollment in some areas and urged the NGAO team to intensify community sensitization campaigns. He noted that Nyandarua County’s enrollment of 3,931 students in five TVET institutions is low compared to other regions.
Dr. Jane Gitau, Principal of Nyandarua National Polytechnic, called for concerted efforts to increase student enrollment in the county. Muna Muraya, an Assistant Chief and former student of the Polytechnic, has been actively mobilizing youth in his area to enroll in TVET institutions, particularly in agriculture-related courses.
Former TVET students who took part in an exchange program in the United Kingdom reported acquiring valuable skills from their international counterparts. Stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration between TVET institutions, the NGAO team, and other government agencies would boost enrollment and equip young people with market-driven skills essential for national development.
