Trainees march during the TVET exhibition in Kericho County/Photo by KIMUTAI LANGAT

The government is in the process of identifying Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions that will be upgraded to support Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to strengthen technical skills and industrial growth.

This was revealed by Deputy Director of Technical Education, Joseph Kanyi, during the close of a major TVET exhibition in Kericho, which brought together more than 30 institutions from across the region.

“This move is part of the government’s plan to boost technical education and ensure our institutions are aligned with emerging economic needs,” said Kanyi. “We are targeting TVETs that can play a direct role in supporting Special Economic Zones through skilled workforce development.”

Kanyi emphasized the importance of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a framework designed to validate skills acquired outside formal education systems.

He said the TVET department is committed to scaling up the initiative to benefit more learners and workers in the informal sector.

“RPL is not just a tool for certification—it’s recognition of the skills and talent many Kenyans already possess. We must embrace and promote it,” he added.

Kanyi also highlighted innovation as a key area of focus, noting that the government is shifting its investment towards institutions that encourage creativity and problem-solving in technical training.

“Technical education without innovation is incomplete. We want our TVETs to be centers of excellence not just in skills, but in ideas,” he said.

Kericho Township Technical and Training College Principal, Shaddrack Tonui, praised the positive impact of technical training in Kenya, saying more young people are gaining employable skills and contributing meaningfully to the economy.

“TVETs are finally getting the recognition they deserve. We are seeing the fruits in terms of job creation and industry relevance,” Tonui said.

He also disclosed that preparations are ongoing for an upcoming international skills competition in China, where Kenya is expected to participate.

“We’re getting ready to showcase the best of our talent on the global stage. I urge parents in our region to consider enrolling their children in technical colleges—it’s a solid path to a brighter future,” he added.

TVET institutions across the country have begun implementing modularized training, which breaks down learning into practical, skill-based modules tailored to industry needs. The model aims to make technical training more flexible, accessible, and focused on employability.

As the government rolls out plans to align TVETs with Special Economic Zones and the broader manufacturing agenda, stakeholders are optimistic that the sector will play a central role in driving Kenya’s economic transformation.

By  KIMUTAI LANGAT