Government commits Sh27 billion to upgrade TVET institutions nationwide

The government has earmarked Sh27 billion to upgrade Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, aiming to expand access, modernise facilities and strengthen skills development across the country.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said an additional Sh2 billion has also been released to fast-track funding and ensure timely support for students and institutions. Ogamba said the funds will support the government’s broader education reform agenda and empower the youth to acquire practical skills.

“We’ve set an ambitious target of enrolling over two million trainees by 2027, a clear demonstration of our commitment to skills training and youth empowerment,” Ogamba said during the 20th graduation ceremony of Eldoret National Polytechnic.

The CS revealed that 1,498 candidates have been certified under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme in the past year, with plans to expand the initiative.

He urged TVET institutions not to exclude students over financial constraints, emphasising that fees are covered through government capitation, scholarships and support from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

“No student should be left out of TVET training due to lack of school fees. The government has invested a lot of money in the sector to ensure every student with talent has the opportunity to develop their skills,” he said.

To address the shortage of trainers, he said the government has employed over 2,000 new instructors nationwide.

“One of the biggest challenges in TVET has been the shortage of trainers. I am pleased to report that 2,000 new trainers have recently been deployed to institutions across the country,” Ogamba added.

The CS further urged graduates to create their own employment rather than wait for formal jobs. According to Ogamba, graduates should focus on becoming entrepreneurs, innovators and problem solvers.

“Do not simply wait for employment; be creators of opportunities. Kenya needs your imagination, your initiative, and your drive,” he said, urging all vocational institutions to strengthen partnerships and modernise equipment to prepare students for self-employment.

He, however, highlighted government plans in creating jobs in sectors such as affordable housing, manufacturing, the digital economy and the creative economy, where trained TVET graduates can contribute.

“We are accelerating job creation in key sectors and TVETs are central because they supply the skilled workforce needed for infrastructure, technology, and beyond,” he said.

The CS said the government will continue expanding HELB’s capacity to provide scholarships and financial aid to ensure that every talented youth has access to higher education, particularly in TVET programmes.

“Capitation, scholarships, and HELB support must remain an essential pillar of equitable success. Through these mechanisms, we are ensuring no Kenyan youth is locked out due to financial constraints,” he added.

The announcement follows last year’s reforms to TVET programmes and curriculum aimed at aligning training with industry needs and reducing graduate unemployment.

Other Topics To Read

• Education
• TVET
• Helb
• Recognition of Prior Learning
• TVET institutions
• Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba
• TVET exams
• CBET
• Kenya TVET funding
• Sh27 billion TVET
• Julius Ogamba announcement
• HELB TVET support
• TVET trainers employment
• Competency-Based Education Training
• Government commits Sh27 billion to upgrade TVET institutions nationwide
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During the first graduation ceremony of Ollessos National Polytechnic on January 31, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government would introduce short courses lasting two to three weeks to provide practical skills aligned with market demand.

“We have revised the curriculum to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system to match industry needs so that graduates possess skills required by employers,” Kindiki said.

“Some opportunities under the labour mobility programme require quick, practical courses that equip students with a skill and certification to secure jobs locally and abroad.”