TVET learners to spend less time in class, more on attachment

The government has allowed the Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority jointly with the Kenya Qualification Authority to continue accrediting training programmes in Technical Training institutions.

Technical Vocational Education and Training PS Esther Muoria said with the curriculum reform, learners will spend 30 per cent of their time training in class while the remaining time will be spent on industrial attachment.

Dr Muoria (pictured) said the Youth Africa Works in Kenya-TVET Learning Forum seeks to demystify employers' roles.

"All employer engagement activities are geared towards ensuring our TVET graduates secure employment or start businesses."

Incorporating CBET

A report by the Directorate of University Education showed many higher learning institutions are not prepared to incorporate the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Curriculum in light of the ongoing education reforms.

Research showed the institutions are unable to implement CBET which is tasked with inculcating pathways for creativity and practical abilities that will combine academic knowledge with innovations.

Muoria said the council was operating with fewer members, noting that a new council will be put in place to spearhead the process. She further noted that the training of trainers is important for the rollout of competency-based education and training CBET.

Re-establishing TVETs

"We have to take TVET to the next level. We are going to ensure our TVET students are CBET trained. The government is already in the process of re-establishing TVET-CDACC," Dr Muoria said.

For three days, the youth Africa Works in Kenya-TVET partners shared and reflected on critical learnings vital to informing the remainder of the programme in Naivasha.

Kenya-TVET programmes include conducting Labour Market Information (LMI) research and setting up gender-balanced Industry Advisory Committees (IACs) for sustainable linkages with employers.

The PS said the training will equip trainers with the necessary skills in readiness for the labour market which is a key component towards the successful rollout of the CBET Strategy in TVETs across the country.

"The youth employability through TVET forum aims to strengthen quality and relevance of institutions and systems," she added.

Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) acting director general Dr Alice Kande outlined the role the authority has to play in ensuring credible qualifications.

Quality checks

Data Quality Assessment (DQA) was conducted across all 26 TVET institutions, Kande said.

They include timeliness, validity, reliability, integrity and precision. Systems were assessed, data verified, action plans developed and follow-ups on actions are ongoing.

Dr Kande further said the policy will ensure learners with no formal education are recognised, adding that the government has developed a policy on the recognition of prior learning.

It provides a framework for recognition of skills through the award of certificates based on competence to better enable them to take advantage of economic opportunities.