CS Ogamba Calls for Strengthened Industry Linkages and Green TVET Initiatives at Principals’ Quarterly Meeting

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, has underscored the pivotal role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya’s economic transformation, urging institutions to enhance industry linkages and integrate sustainable practices in their training programs.

Speaking during the launch of the TVET Principals’ Quarterly Meeting at Eldoret National Polytechnic, Ogamba emphasized the need for institutions to bridge the gap between training and industry demands. He acknowledged the progress made in implementing Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), highlighting that 188 Occupational Standards have been harmonized and 8,724 trainers have undergone CBET methodology training.

“While we have made commendable progress in aligning training with market needs, there is still a critical need to strengthen industry participation in workplace training and assessment. Our graduates must not only possess theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience that makes them competitive in the job market,” said Ogamba.

The Education CS also pointed out the government’s commitment to leveraging digitalization in TVET institutions through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) training. “We are working with development partners such as ILO, UNESCO, and GIZ to facilitate the integration of AI and VR in training. Institutions must now identify programs that can be virtualized and train their staff to deliver digital instruction effectively,” he noted.

Ogamba lauded the increasing student enrollment in TVET institutions, which now stands at approximately 700,000. He urged principals to intensify their marketing efforts to attract even more students, particularly among the 962,512 candidates who sat the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.

“I challenge you to enhance your outreach strategies. With the Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal now open for a second round of applications, it is imperative that TVET institutions position themselves as viable alternatives for skills training,” he said.

On sustainability, the CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to Green TVET initiatives, revealing that over 737,976 trees have been planted, 140 institutions are engaged in seedling production, and renewable energy projects, including biogas and solar installations, are underway.

“The Ministry has set a target to transform at least 50 TVET institutions to using clean energy solutions. Eldoret National Polytechnic is already leading the way in integrating biogas into their training, and we urge other institutions to follow suit,” Ogamba stated.

Addressing the challenge of student accommodation, the CS announced that the Ministry is collaborating with the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) to provide safe and affordable housing for TVET trainees. “We recognize that housing is a major concern for many trainees, and we are working closely with the State Department for TVET to address this issue,” he assured.

Ogamba further highlighted ongoing efforts to equip trainees with digital skills through the Jitume Labs program, which provides access to ICT infrastructure for online work opportunities. However, he expressed concern that some of the labs remain underutilized due to connectivity challenges. “Institutions must ensure that these facilities are fully operational so that our students are well-prepared for the digital economy,” he urged.

The CS also revealed that Kenya is making significant strides in labor mobility, with 631 trainees securing seasonal employment in the UK, and more opportunities opening up in Germany and Belgium. “To enhance global employability, the government has partnered with agencies to offer German language proficiency certification. I encourage institutions to incorporate foreign language training in their curriculum,” he said.

Ogamba concluded by emphasizing the importance of good governance in TVET institutions. “Leadership must be anchored in integrity, professionalism, and inclusivity. We expect you to foster positive work environments that encourage collaboration and institutional stability,” he told the principals.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening TVET as the cornerstone of Kenya’s skills revolution. “The success of our reforms depends on your leadership and willingness to embrace change. Let us work together to ensure that TVET remains the engine of our economic transformation,” Ogamba concluded