Sh13bn Equipment To Benefit 70 TVET

Sh13bn Equipment To Benefit 70 TVET. In a significant move aimed at enhancing Kenya’s Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, 70 institutions are set to receive modern equipment worth Sh13 billion. This initiative, part of a government-to-government arrangement with China, is expected to equip the sector to fully embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Modern Equipment For 4IR Integration
As the world rapidly advances into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the need for modern equipment in the TVET sector has become increasingly critical. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department of Technical, Vocational Education and Training, emphasized that for the sector to leverage 4IR, it is essential to have up-to-date equipment that meets the demands of the evolving global market.
Kenya-China Partnership: A Timely Project
The partnership between Kenya and China comes at a crucial time when the TVET sector is undergoing modernization to align with Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). The Sh13 billion project, funded through a government loan, will provide advanced technological equipment to 70 institutions across the country, ensuring that learners are trained in line with current market expectations.
High-Tech Equipment For Enhanced Learning
The equipment provided under this initiative will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), allowing trainees to acquire highly demanded skills in the global labor market. By integrating these advanced technologies into training facilities, the initiative aims to produce a workforce capable of competing favorably on a global scale.
Departments To Receive Modern Equipment
The Sh13 billion worth of equipment will be distributed across various departments within the 70 benefiting institutions. These departments include:
- Mechanical Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Technology
- Agricultural Machinery Technology
- Mechatronics Technology
- Agricultural Value Addition Technology
- Civil and Building Technology
- Welding and Fabrication Technology
- Hospitality Management Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
Government Support And Expansion Of TVET Institutions
PS Muoria praised the Kenyan government for its continued support of the TVET sector. She highlighted that there are currently 240 TVET institutions in Kenya, with each constituency hosting at least one. This widespread availability of institutions underscores the government’s commitment to expanding access to technical and vocational education.
Encouraging Youth Participation In TVET
Muoria also called on the youth to embrace TVET, noting that the sector has successfully broken down various training programs into skill sets that allow individuals to gain employable skills in a relatively short period. With the introduction of the Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (KCATS), students can seamlessly progress in their quest for skills within the TVET framework, further enhancing their employability.
Conclusion
The Sh13 billion equipment investment in 70 TVET institutions marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards fully embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With the infusion of high-tech equipment and the modernization of training programs, the TVET sector is poised to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the global market. As Kenya continues to prioritize technical and vocational education, the youth are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.