Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor Celebrates TVET Centennial Milestone

In a momentous celebration marking a century of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Deputy Governor Hon. Eng John Barorot, EBS, welcomed the symbolic TVET Torch at the county headquarters on May 6th, 2024. The Torch, emblematic of the journey and significance of TVET, was initiated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya on March 26th, 2024, at the Nyeri National Polytechnic.

Addressing a gathered audience of dignitaries and stakeholders, Deputy Governor Barorot underscored the vital role of TVET in fostering economic growth and sustainable development. He emphasized the historical roots of TVET, dating back to pre-colonial times, where indigenous communities demonstrated extensive knowledge and skills in various domains such as construction and agriculture.

Uasin Gishu County, known for its commitment to education and skill development, boasts 8 TVET institutions and 13 Vocational Training Centres under the Department of Education. Deputy Governor Barorot highlighted the recent distribution of bursaries amounting to Ksh 165 million, benefiting numerous youths across 30 wards.

“TVET institutions serve as crucibles for skill development,” Deputy Governor Barorot asserted, emphasizing their role in providing specialized training programs essential for empowering the youth with practical expertise. He further emphasized the significance of TVET in enhancing employability, addressing critical skills gaps, and supporting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformational Agenda.

As Uasin Gishu County gears towards transformative projects like affordable housing, industrial parks, and modern markets, Deputy Governor Barorot called upon stakeholders from various sectors to rally behind TVET initiatives. He urged the political class, administrators, clergy, and the general public to embrace TVET as a pathway to national development and urged the youth to leverage these opportunities for skills acquisition and market readiness.
The celebration of 100 years of TVET serves as a testament to its enduring relevance and impact in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Kenya. As the TVET Torch continues its journey across the nation, it symbolizes not just a century of achievement but also a beacon of hope for the future of skilled labor and sustainable development in Kenya.

The Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, Charles Koech, who is also the Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI)emphasized the critical role of TVET in equipping youth with practical skills for employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing economic growth.

“We want to appreciate the opportunity that the deputy governor has given us to come and celebrate this with you,” stated Koech, highlighting the pivotal support received from the Uasin Gishu County government in promoting TVET initiatives.

In his address, Vice Chairperson of KATTI, reiterated the importance of embracing TVET, emphasizing its role not only in providing employable skills to youths but also in generating income. He stressed the significance of initiatives such as recognition of prior learning and dual training, which aim to align TVET curricula with industry needs and facilitate smoother transitions into the workforce.

“The message is brief; we need to embrace TVET because it not only provides skills to our youths for employment but it’s also a source of income,” Kenta affirmed. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between TVET institutions and industry practitioners in skilling youth for both local and international job markets.

Michael Rugut, Director of TVET for the North Rift region, extended appreciation for the relaunch of TVET at 100, emphasizing the pivotal role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in regional development.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary of TVET, Rugut highlighted the significance of TVET institutions across the North Rift, which encompass over 27 establishments spanning across all counties.

“North Rift is a champion of TVET. We cannot develop without it,” Rugut emphasized, echoing the sentiment that no country in the world has achieved development without investing in TVET. He underscored the critical role of TVET as the vehicle driving progress towards achieving Vision 2030, Kenya’s national development blueprint, and stressed that TVET graduates are the drivers of this vehicle.

“TVET is the vehicle that will enable us to achieve Vision 2030, and the drivers of that vehicle are TVET graduates,” Rugut asserted. He outlined the region’s objective of enhancing access to quality education, emphasizing the need to equip youth with practical skills that align with market demands and facilitate socioeconomic developmentsector, and educational institutions in advancing the TVET agenda and driving sustainable development in the region.

As the relaunch of TVET at 100 gathers momentum, Rugut expressed optimism about the future of TVET in the North Rift region and its contribution to national development. By prioritizing access and quality in TVET education, North Rift aims to empower its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to catalyze economic growth and prosperity.

The celebration of TVET at 100 marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s education sector, underscoring the importance of practical skills in driving economic growth and empowering youth. As TVET institutions continue to collaborate with government and industry stakeholders, the future looks promising for equipping Kenyan youth with the skills needed to thrive in both local and global job markets