Revitalizing Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Educationand Training (TVET): Lessons from China
Abstract
The brief articulates that pivoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) towards the junior school and specific economic needs and potentials of counties is vital in enhancing the quality of its outcomes in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region. Borrowing from China’s vocational and technical training, there exist viable strategic options to strengthen Kenya’s TVETs. These lie in introducing multiple entry points for TVET systems right from elementary levels; tailoring programs to regional economic activities; and deepening cooperation among industrial enterprises and TVET institutions.
Executive Summary
The brief articulates that pivoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) towards the junior school and specific economic needs and potentials of counties is vital in enhancing the quality of its outcomes in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region. Borrowing from China’s vocational and technical training, there exist viable strategic options to strengthen Kenya’s TVETs. These lie in introducing multiple entry points for TVET systems right from elementary levels; tailoring programs to regional economic activities; and deepening cooperation among industrial enterprises and TVET institutions. The brief concludes that the institutions’ curriculum should mirror Kenya’s national and county socio- economic development blueprints. Key recommendations include operationalizing the 2025-2027 China-Africa science and education partnership initiative for people-to people exchanges; introduction of TVETs at elementary levels in junior secondary schools; reviewing the TVET curriculum to make it more focused on empowering county-based socioeconomic activities; and synergizing cooperation
between TVET institutions and the industry.
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