"Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Calls for Bold Steps in TVET Transformation at Eldoret Meeting"

By Wasike Elvis

In a powerful address to TVET leaders at the Principals' Quarterly Meeting held at Eldoret National Polytechnic on March 3-4, 2025, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS, outlined a roadmap for transforming Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The meeting brought together TVET principals, senior ministry officials, and distinguished guests to assess progress, discuss challenges, and plan for the future.

Ogamba emphasized the vital role TVET institutions play in addressing youth unemployment and equipping the workforce with the skills needed to drive Kenya’s economic development. He lauded the commitment of the TVET leaders, noting that their work is central to the country’s vision of becoming competitive in the global economy.

"The role of TVET in national development cannot be overstated," Ogamba stated. "You are at the heart of Kenya's skills revolution, and your efforts are key to the economic transformation of this country."

A key area of focus for the Cabinet Secretary was the ongoing TVET reforms, particularly the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). While significant strides have been made, Ogamba called for greater industry involvement in training and assessment. He highlighted the need to strengthen industry linkages to ensure that graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that align with labor market demands.

Ogamba also stressed the importance of embracing technology in TVET, with initiatives focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) in training programs. The Ministry is partnering with organizations like ILO, UNESCO, and GIZ to support this technological transformation. He urged TVET institutions to prepare for this shift by virtualizing programs and equipping trainers with the digital skills necessary for modernized learning delivery.

The Cabinet Secretary commended the growth in TVET enrollment, which has reached approximately 700,000 students, thanks to the efforts of the institutions. However, he encouraged the Principals to enhance marketing strategies to attract more students, especially from the large pool of 962,512 students who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in 2024. Ogamba urged them to make full use of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal to boost applications to TVET programs.

Sustainability was another focal point of Ogamba’s address. He praised the Ministry's Green TVET initiative, which includes tree planting, renewable energy projects like solar power and biogas production, and efforts to integrate environmental conservation into training curricula. The Ministry’s goal is to ensure at least 50 TVET institutions adopt clean energy solutions.

Addressing the issue of student accommodation, Ogamba announced a partnership with the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) to provide safe and affordable housing for TVET trainees, enhancing their welfare and learning outcomes. He encouraged institutions to engage with the State Department for TVET to address their housing needs and access this initiative.

Ogamba also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to prepare TVET graduates for the global job market. The government is actively facilitating labor mobility, with 631 trainees securing seasonal work in the UK and expanding opportunities in countries like Germany and Belgium. He urged TVET institutions to incorporate foreign language training into their programs to enhance employability abroad.

The Cabinet Secretary shared updates on ongoing discussions with the People's Republic of China, which has expressed continued interest in funding TVET programs, particularly those focused on Science, Technology, and Innovation. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for strengthening Kenya’s skills development agenda.

Dr. Charles Koech, Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, Welcomes Attendees

The meeting was also marked by a warm welcome from Dr. Charles Koech, the Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, who expressed his pride in hosting the event. "I take this opportunity to welcome you to Eldoret National Polytechnic, and it is an absolute honor that I stand before you today as we engage in this TVET quarterly principals’ meeting," Dr. Koech said. "On behalf of the management, staff, and students, I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Education for choosing us to host this important event. We are excited to be part of this gathering, which brings together the very best minds and leaders in the TVET sector."

Dr. Koech noted that the event was not just an opportunity to reflect on progress but also to challenge and inspire each other. "Today, we are not only here to celebrate the great progress we’ve made, especially in the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training, but also to challenge and inspire each other in this journey," he said. "This initiative has been a game-changer, and we at Eldoret National Polytechnic proudly embrace this transition to ensure our trainees receive the best hands-on and industry-relevant training."

Dr. Koech also shared the institution’s journey in adopting CBET, which began in 2003. "I am delighted to announce that we transitioned to CBET when the whistle was blown in 2003, and we have witnessed a lot of positive developments in this model of training," he said. "We have also been able to partner with industry players, especially in the area of recognition of prior learning. With the support from the Ministry and the International Labour Organization, we were able to assess and certify over 70 RPL claimants in Turkana County, in collaboration with Don Bosco Training Center in Kakuma."

He emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it offers opportunities to people who may not have attained formal education, allowing them to gain valuable certification. "This is a game-changer because it gives an opportunity to youths and adults who might not have had access to formal education to receive certificates."

Dr. Koech concluded by acknowledging the Ministry’s continued support during the transition to CBET, thanking them for their guidance throughout the process.

Looking Ahead: TVET’s Role in Kenya’s Future

In his closing remarks, Ogamba reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the TVET sector. He emphasized that the success of these reforms depends on the leadership of TVET institutions and their ability to embrace change. "Together, we can transform TVET into a key pillar of Kenya's economic growth and development," Ogamba said.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among the TVET leaders, who pledged to work towards these ambitious goals and continue enhancing the quality of vocational education in Kenya.

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March 06, 2025