Government pushes for Skill-Centric Education to meet evolving job market demands

Nairobi,

Wednesday October 18, 2023

KNA by Hamdi M. Buthul / Ian Cheptumo

Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria has emphasised the critical need to reshape education systems to equip students with the skills necessary to adapt to an ever-evolving job market.

Speaking Tuesday during the signing ceremony of Kisii National Polytechnic Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) project at Jogoo House, Muoria said the SIFA project, an initiative supported by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the German Government, will play a pivotal role in advancing the goal of a skilled population in Africa.

“The future demands that we empower our youth with a diverse range of skills, and projects like SIFA provide the platform for our education sector to achieve just that. We must leverage educational initiatives to prepare our youth for the workforce,” she said.

Acknowledging TVET skills as a crucial tool for economic transformation, Dr Muoria stressed the importance of investing in education programmes to ensure post-school skill development is achieved.

The PS called upon educational stakeholders and partners to focus on policy implementation rather than getting bogged down by paperwork, citing its hindrance to growth in TVETs.

In a bold move to combat youth unemployment, Muoria announced the Ministry's implementation of a practical dual vocational training system, in collaboration with mechanical industries. This initiative aims to introduce courses in engineering and welding, providing tangible skills that align with industry demands.

Muoria also shed light on the ongoing efforts to refine TVET curriculum through extensive syllabus reviews. She emphasized the shift towards Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), which ensures learners acquire practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge.

“The curricular grafting, spearheaded by the CDACC in conjunction with national polytechnics, is well underway. The focus is on certifying students who possess the requisite skills needed not only in our country but globally,” Muoria noted.

Furthermore, she disclosed a strategic partnership with GIZ to provide students with hands-on training within identified industries. This approach ensures that learners are exposed to real-world applications, with 50 per cent of their training taking place in industrial settings.

Muoria said as Kenya's education sector takes decisive steps towards a skill-centric approach, this vision stands as a beacon of hope for youth seeking meaningful employment in a rapidly changing job market.

“The collaborative efforts of stakeholders, paired with innovative initiatives like SIFA, mark a significant stride towards a more prosperous future for Kenya's workforce,” she said.

On his part, Kisii National Polytechnic Chief Principal Mr. Daniel Nyariki expressed gratitude to the Principal Secretary for her support and promised to align their programmes with agriculture, echoing the principles of the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA).

“This aligns with the government's vision of fostering economic growth from the grassroots, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor in various sectors,” he said.

The launch of the Kisii National Polytechnic Skills Initiative For Africa (SIFA) marks a significant step towards creating a well-skilled and adaptable workforce in Kenya, paving the way for greater economic development and prosperity.

Courtesy; KNA