Good resolution by NITA and counties to collaborate on vocational training

The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the County Executives in a conference held in Athi River has agreed to collaborate as a way forward agreements aimed at shoring up uptake of the Technical and Vocational education in Kenya. This collaboration and resolve should be supported by stakeholders since TVET programmes are a key component of the necessary workforce development and economic growth prospects for any country. This is because TVET programmes provide students with practical skills and knowledge which is needed to succeed as a dependable and effective workforce.  Alongside the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, TVET programmes have emerged as an important cog in the economic development of countries in the 21st century, as technological advances continue to shape the global economy. Comparisons have been made between TVET systems in Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, China, and Kenya. According to United Nations Education Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) data, Germany has a gross enrollment rate of 43 percent in vocational education and training, while Switzerland has a gross enrollment rate of 30 percent, while Singapore has over 60 percent of secondary school students choosing to enroll in vocational courses, and in China, the number of students enrolled in vocational education and training increased significantly from 23 million in 2015 to over 29 million in 2019.

It has been found out that the key drivers of success in TVET systems in Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, and China include strong government support, collaboration between industry and education providers, and a focus on developing skills that are in high demand in the labour market. These factors have helped to reduce unemployment rates, improve workforce productivity, and drive economic growth in these countries. As NITA and counties collaborations emerge on TVET programmes, it is noteworthy to underline the fact that TVET education system in Kenya faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of quality training facilities and equipment, low enrollment rates, and gender biasness. According to data from the World Bank, only 5 percent of Kenyan students are enrolled in TVET programmes compared to 40 percent in South Korea, 60 percent in Singapore, and over 70 percent in Germany. Despite the challenges facing the TVET system in Kenya, there are opportunities to improve the system and realize its potential for economic development which is needed to ensure youths are highly engaged. The development of a strong TVET system can help to reduce unemployment rates, improve workforce productivity, and drive economic growth in Kenya. According to a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), increasing the number of skilled workers in Kenya could add up to 2.2 percentage points to the country’s annual GDP growth rate. Dr Giti is an urban management, public – private partnerships (PPP) and environment specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com , @danielgiti. The views are written on a personal capacity.