The Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority and the Kenya Qualification Authority have been allowed the mandate to continue accrediting training programmes in Technical Training institutions.
Technical Vocation Education and Training PS Esther Muoria said that with the reforms on the curriculum, learners will be spending 30% of their time training in class and the rest of the time on industrial attachment.
Dr Muoria said that the Youth Africa Works in Kenya TVET Learning Forum seeks to clarify roles of employees.
“All employer engagement activities are geared towards ensuring our TVET graduates secure employment or start businesses,” she said.
According to a report issued by the Directorate of University Education, many higher learning institutions are not ready to incorporate the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Curriculum amid the ongoing reforms in education.
A research has revealed that the institutions are not able to implement CBET which is tasked with inculcating pathways for creativity and practical abilities that will combine academic knowledge with innovations.
According to Muoria, the Council was operating with fewer members. She also said that a new council will be installed to oversee the process.
Besides, she said that training of trainers is important for the follout of competency-based education and training CBET.
“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,” said Dr Muoria.
Over three days TVET and Youth Africa Works in Kenya shared and reflected on critical learnings crucial to informing the rest of the program in Naivasha.
The TVET programmes include setting up gender-balanced Industry Advisory Committees (IACs) for sustainable linkages with employers and conducting Labour Market Information (LMI).
PS Muoria revealed that the training will enable learners with skills required in the labour market which is an important factor in the successful launching of the CBET strategy in TVETs in the country.
“The youth employability through TVET forum aims to strengthen quality and relevance of institutions and systems,” added the PS.
On her part the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Acting Director General Dr Alice Kande said that the role the authority has to play in ensuring credible qualifications.
Kande also revealed that Data Quality Assessment (DQA) was done in all 26 TVET institutions.
The assessments included validity, reliability, integrity and precision. Systems were assessed, data verification done and action plans developed and follow-ups on actions are being done.
In addition, Dr Kande revealed that the policy will enable learners who do not have formal education to be recognized. She said that the government has developed a policy on the recognition of prior learning.
This wil provide a platform for recognition of skills through the award of certificates based on competence. This in turn will enable them to take advantage of the available economic opportunities.