Government supports TVETs as key propeller of Big Four

Technical, Vacation, Education and Training Permanent Secretary Kevit Desai and Educational officials during his tour at Nyeri National Polytechnic, on August 18, 2018, where he launched the technical equipments. [Kibata Kihu/Standard]

The Government has embarked on equipping Technical and Vocational Education Training institutes (TVETs), which are key drivers of the Big Four agenda.

Principal Secretary Kevit Desai said standardising equipment and courses in TVET would support the industrialisation sector, which anchors manufacturing as part of the Big Four agenda.

Speaking during the launch of Sh127 million standard laboratory facilities, for road building and construction, at Nyeri National Polytechnic, Desai said industrialisation sector lacked qualified technicians due to lack of proper equipment and training in institutions.

Desai gave road construction and equipment for testing bricks, soil and timber strength.

"If we have equipment to test our work, we are able to refine our curriculum so that we qualify for international standards," he said.

Desai said moving from theoretical to practical examinations in vocational training institutions would increase competencies and boost enterprises.

The PS said standardising courses and equipment in TVETs would create a good link with small businesses.

“Micro, small and medium sector is a sleeping giant and we need to awaken just by increasing the level of innovation and training," he added.

Desai said technical institutions need more funding because they are at the centre of the Big Four Agenda towards economic takeoff.