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Empower the youth through TVET and bridge the skills gap

Kenya Coast National Polytechnic

Graduands follow proceedings at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic during their graduation ceremony in Mombasa on April 18, 2024.


 

Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The success of TVET institutions can be seen in the employment rates of their graduates.
  • Despite these positive outcomes, societal perceptions remain a significant barrier to TVET enrollment.

The release of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results has sparked conversations about the future of our youth and the paths they can take towards success.

While university education has traditionally been the preferred route, it is time we spotlight the transformative role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in addressing the growing skills gap and preparing students for the realities of the job market.

In recent years, there has been a remarkable rise in TVET enrollment. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that TVET enrollment increased from 451,205 to 562,499 between 2019 and 2022. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the value of technical skills in an economy where practical expertise often outweighs theoretical knowledge. It is a trend that underscores the importance of vocational education in equipping students with skills directly aligned with industry demands.

The success of TVET institutions can be seen in the employment rates of their graduates. A tracer study by the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic revealed that 81.3 per cent of its graduates found employment, with many either securing formal jobs or venturing into self-employment. 

Highly effective

Additionally, programmes like Generation Kenya have proven highly effective, with 90 per cent of their graduates securing employment and a retention rate of 75 per cent within six months. These results highlight the ability of TVET to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market.

Despite these positive outcomes, societal perceptions remain a significant barrier to TVET enrollment. Notably, there is still a strong bias towards university education, often seen as the gold standard for success. This mindset discourages many students from pursuing vocational training, even when it offers a more direct path to employment. 

The reports of a father beating her daughter to death for scoring a D- in the 2024 KCSE exams are heart-wrenching and reflect how deeply the “must go university” syndrome is entrenched in our society. Changing these perceptions is crucial. 

TVET should be recognised as a respectable and viable option that equips students with the skills to succeed in diverse fields such as manufacturing, construction, information technology and smart agriculture.

Moreover, the country’s job market has evolved dramatically, with an increasing demand for technical expertise. TVET institutions are uniquely positioned to meet this demand by offering training tailored to industry needs. 

The African Development Bank indicates that TVET graduates in Africa often have better job prospects due to their practical skills. This demonstrates the critical role that vocational training can play in driving economic progress and reducing unemployment.
To encourage more students to consider TVET, we must take deliberate steps. 

Career guidance 

Awareness campaigns are essential to inform and educate students, parents and communities about the benefits of vocational training. Highlighting success stories and demonstrating how TVET graduates contribute to the economy can help shift mindsets. 
Partnerships between TVET institutions and industries should be strengthened to ensure that training remains relevant and that students gain hands-on experience. 

Additionally, the government must continue to support TVET programmes by funding initiatives that make these institutions accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. 

Further, career guidance should be integrated into secondary schools to help students make informed decisions about their futures.

There should be no competition between TVETs and universities. And as we celebrate the achievements of the 2024 KCSE candidates, it is essential to recognise that there is no single path to success. University education is valuable, but it is not the only option. 

TVET offers a practical and impactful way to prepare young people for the demands of the modern economy. By investing in vocational training, shifting societal perceptions and supporting students in exploring diverse educational paths, we can create a skilled and versatile workforce capable of driving the country’s development forward.

Mr Jomo is a communications strategist at Admedia Communications Ltd; [email protected]