Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Felix Koskei has reaffirmed the central role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in driving Kenya’s development agenda, urging young people to fully embrace technical skills for national transformation.
Speaking during the 6th graduation ceremony at Kitale National Polytechnic, Koskei said the government is counting on TVETs to build a technologically adept and technically skilled workforce capable of powering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He stressed that technical skills form a core pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development strategy, noting that substantial investments have been made to strengthen training, innovation, and technology adoption across all sectors.
“Among the critical technology shifts is the introduction of e-procurement to enhance efficiency and curb corruption in procurement processes,” Koskei said.
The Head of Public Service revealed that TVETs have so far admitted 800,000 trainees and outlined an ambitious plan to raise enrolment to two million by 2026. He challenged TVET leaders to uphold integrity and ensure full implementation of e-procurement systems.
“The governing councils of TVETs must promote accountability and ensure the e-government procurement procedures are followed,” he said.
Technical and Vocational Training Principal Secretary Prof. Esther Mworia said the government is committed to ensuring all learners — including those under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme — acquire relevant skills and certification.
“We are striving for an out-of-class environment so that students are comfortable acquiring skills not only for self-employment but also to support our industries,” she said.
Prof. Mworia highlighted that TVETs are increasingly aligning training with industry needs, with 1,600 industries partnering with institutions nationwide to support innovation and skills development. She raised concerns over widespread land grabbing targeting TVET institutions and assured that experts have been engaged to help reclaim all grabbed land.
This year, 3,046 learners graduated from Kitale National Polytechnic across various disciplines. Principal Dr. Tom Mulati announced that 66 trainees will travel to the United Kingdom in 2026 for an agricultural innovation internship under an exchange programme.
Earlier on Tuesday, the institution hosted its 3rd Annual International Research Conference, which brought together trainees, innovators, and researchers from Kenya and Uganda for collaborative learning and knowledge exchange. The event featured innovation exhibitions and skills competitions, underscoring the role of TVET institutions in shaping Kenya’s industrial future.
Technical Vocational Education and Training Director Dr. Meshack Opwora, who officiated as chief guest, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to investing in science, technology, and innovation as the engine of national development.
“The government has invested heavily in science, technology, and innovation because it is through these that we can achieve development. This year’s theme, ‘Economic Sustainability Through Applied Research, Innovation, and Skills Development’, reflects that commitment,” he said.
Dr. Opwora noted that with sustained support, student innovations could evolve into full-scale production units within TVET institutions, creating jobs, generating revenue, and advancing Kenya’s manufacturing ambitions. He highlighted exceptional student projects, including a pesticide developed from rabbit urine, as proof of the potential for homegrown solutions to catalyze industrialization.
“Countries that have industrialized used research and innovation. Kenya is taking the same direction,” he added.
Dr. Mulati said the conference is central to the institution’s mandate of advancing applied research and skills development, noting that the showcased innovations have a direct impact on national socio-economic growth.
Researchers and trainees from various Kenyan TVET institutions and partner institutions in Uganda presented papers, exhibited applied research, and shared knowledge during the conference.
