The Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training (VTT) Dr Julius Jwan has challenged the TVET Authority Board and management to give their valuable input in the impending development of the National TVET and Workforce Blueprints.

The blueprint is set to articulate a long-term strategic vision that will guide and influence TVET reform and development over the next 10 years (2020 to 2030).

The PS made the remarks when he opened the two-day induction workshop for TVET Authority (TVETA) new directors to the Board.

Three new directors have joined the Board. They are, Esther Wamuyu, Ms. Susan Aletia, and Davidson Mwaisaka. The other directors of the Board are Prof. Ahmed Ferej (Chairman), Dr. Julius Jwan PS VTT, Mr. Sammy Milgo, Mr. Burua Sanga, and Dr. Kipkirui Langat (Board Secretary).

The PS said the input from the Authority, which is mandated to coordinate and regulate the TVET sector, will be valuable in the realisation of the blueprint.

The PS lauded the TVETA staff for taking lead in the assessment of TVET colleges’ preparedness to Covid-19 protocols as listed by the Ministry of Education and Health.

“TVETA staff have been critical in the assessment of TVET colleges for preparedness to Covid-19 regulations. The team has been preparing the institutions to comply and as a ministry, we are proud of the work they have done. Equally, the team has been prompt in sending timely and well organised reports whenever they are needed,” the PS said during the meeting attended by all directors of the Board and senior management team.

The PS also said that he is currently working with other stakeholders to ensure there is a clear progression pathway from TVET training to university education.

“It is weird that diploma students from TVET institutions are forced to start from First Year when they pursue a university education, even when they have good technical knowledge and pedagogical training. This is against global trends and we want it to change, ” the PS noted.

“Soon I am going to organise a workshop for all Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) in the ministry of Education to discuss this issue and agree on the TVET pathway to university. The success of CBC depends on a vibrant TVET sector.”

During the workshop, the TVETA Board chairman Prof Ahmed Ferej took the directors through and management team through the Authority’s mandate and functions, the legal and governance framework.

He enumerated a number of achievements the Authority has scored since it was established six years ago.

These includes the acquisition of office space and substantive staff to replace those seconded from different State agencies. The Authority has currently 48 members of staff.

The Authority has managed to serve its core mandate of accreditation of institutions and trainers and undertake regular monitoring and evaluation of TVET institutions to check for compliance to set standards and guidelines. TVETA has so far accredited 1,950 institutions and 1,825 trainers. The Authority has also trained 305 monitors and evaluators to help in compliance.

The chairman also listed the development standards to guide training in the TVET sector and establishment of TVETA MIS registration portal and inaugural publication of the Kenya Journal of TVET (to be published before the end of the year), among the other many achievements.

TVETA Director -General Dr. Kipkirui Langat also enumerated the journey the Authority has walked in trying to meet the country’s national development needs on human capital as captured under Vision 2030.

He listed some of the challenges the sector faces, which include fragmented and uncoordinated policies and legislations, weaknesses of policy implementation, overlaps of mandates, and the negative perception of TVET among the populace.

He, however, noted some of the policies and reforms the government has currently instituted to cure some of the challenges in the sector.

Dr Paul Tirimba, Legal Adviser in the Office of Cabinet Secretary took the members through the legal and institutional framework for governance of State Corporations.

The members also got some hindsight on the background to the establishment of Authority from one of the former Director Eng. Nebart Muriuki.

During the two-day workshop, all TVETA departments made presentations on tasks and achievements.

The outgoing Directors Hazel Gachunga, Eng. Catherine Nyambala and Prof Faith Muli and ushered in the new Directors with words of encouragement and advice.

The induction workshop was closed by the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Zachary Kinuthia.

The CAS thanked the Board and management for setting the Authority in the limelight and actualising its mandate.

“I am very happy to be interacting with the Board and staff of TVETA, who are the drivers of the sector. We have been professional in your work and we are proud of you. I wish you seamlessly peaceful working relationships as you pursue your mandate.”

He urged the incoming directors to also be professional and take forward the Authority’s vision.