Rise in Tvet enrolment raises quality concerns

From left: TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria and RVTTI Chief Principal Loice Kutoh Yator, award the best performing female graduate during the 14th graduation ceremony of RVTTI in Eldoret, on December 9, 2025. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) enrolment has surged by 139 per cent over the past three years, putting pressure on existing learning infrastructure and facilities.

Tvet Principal Secretary Esther Muoria said that the rise in enrollment was an indication of confidence among learners eying practical skills.

However, Muoria cautioned at the 14th graduation ceremony of Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret on Monday that the quality of training must not be compromised despite the growing influx of students into Tvet institutions.

“Enrollment has grown by 139 per cent since 2022, reflecting renewed public confidence in TVET as a dignified and market-relevant pathway. Relevance has been strengthened through Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), modular training and industry-led programme design,” the PS said.

According to Muoria, the quality of training in TVET was being enhanced by assessment reforms, equipment upgrades and strengthened institutional governance.

A Ministry of Education report indicated that enrollment in public TVET institutions increased from 440,242 in the year 2021-2022 to 489,114 in 2022-2023, to 547,806 in 2023-24 and to at least 600,000 in 2025.

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that Sh2 billion, part of the Sh39 billion allocated for infrastructure, would be released to TVET institutions to expand classrooms and laboratories.

Graduands during the 14th graduation ceremony of RVTTI in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on December 9, 2025. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Craftsmen and women including plumbers, masons, mechanics and welders who have been perfecting their art for years, are among those who have recently pushed the numbers in TVET institutions higher.

During the event, 1,825 graduates were awarded diplomas and certificates.

RVTTI Board of Management chair David Some challenged the graduates not to wait for opportunities but create them through innovation and entrepreneurship.