Meru: Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) have been encouraged to continue nurturing learners’ talents through sports, alongside providing technical skills training. Speaking during the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Mount Kenya East Region Athletics Championships held at Kaaga Primary School in Meru County, Regional Chairperson Lucy Mutembei highlighted the dual role of TVET institutions as centers for skills development and platforms for talent identification.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mutembei emphasized the importance of regional competitions, noting that outstanding athletes would have the opportunity to advance to national championships. This progression could potentially attract the attention of Athletics Kenya, opening doors for international competition. She pointed out that athletics contributes to learners’ health and complements their academic and technical education.
Mutembei elaborated on the modularized curriculum offered by TVET institutions, where trainees attend courses for two terms before taking examinations and obtaining certificates. She mentioned that Level Three courses, lasting three months, are ideal for students awaiting university admission, allowing them to gain practical skills and earn income while preparing for higher education. Parents were urged to enroll their children in technical institutions, with government support available through initiatives like HELB loans, capitation, and scholarships.
Mutembei also encouraged parents not to leave students with lower grades at home, stating that TVET institutions offer diverse courses catering to different abilities and interests. ‘Every child has unique talents and their future may lie in technical skills training,’ she said.
Regional Sports Association Chairman Charles Rotich, serving as the chief guest during the event, stated that the competition aimed to identify and select athletes to represent the region at the upcoming National KATTI games at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi. Rotich highlighted the value of sports competitions in allowing trainees to display their talents beyond the technical skills acquired at their institutions. He emphasized the significance of developing well-rounded individuals capable of excelling in multiple areas.
According to Rotich, sports and recreation provide viable career opportunities for young people. He noted Kenya’s strong reputation in athletics and other sporting disciplines and the critical role TVET institutions play in nurturing future talent. ‘Sports form an integral component of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework, making athletics and other co-curricular activities essential in the holistic development of learners,’ said Rotich.
