The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos Ogamba, has hailed the recent reforms and branding of TVET institutions.
Noting that the process is gaining momentum with a rise in enrollments. He stressed the need for principals to create awareness about TVET programs and the students success stories through different communication channels to elude negative perception and publicity.
Speaking during the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) capacity-building workshop for WET principals, directors, academics, registrars, and examination officers held at Pride Inn Paradise in Mombasa on April 23, 2025, Ogamba noted that the strategies have increased enrollment in TVET institutions in the country, with the number being expected to increase even further.
"More than 8,000 students who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations last year have already opted to pursue courses in TVET and other colleges. The number is set to grow as we release the results of the ongoing application of courses under the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). This, therefore, provides some of the evidence that TVET programs are finally being embraced by our high school graduates, unlike the case before' he added.
He challenged the TVET bosses to use different communication channels and strategies to inform the public of the importance of enrolling in the institutions, since most of them have produced innovators and inventors in different fields.
The society associated WET with lower academic performance and career prospects, hence discouraging parents from enrolling their children in the institutions.
"We must change this narrative. Your institutions must become visible, attractive, and aspirational. "We must invest in branding through the use of websites, signage, brochures, and social media platforms. Collaborate with industry partners, county governments, and development agencies to strengthen your networks and resource base. Let the public know that TVET is not just about skills; it is about innovation, dignity, and national development' he added. He stated that TVET education addresses this challenge by focusing on practical, competency-based learning that aligns with industry needs.
Source: educationnews.co.ke