TVET institutions to certify trainees with short-term, skill-based courses from May

From next month, TVET institutions will move away from traditional theory-based learning, adopting a more practical, competency-based approach.
The government has announced a major overhaul of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in a bid to better prepare students for the job market.
From next month, TVET institutions will move away from traditional theory-based learning, adopting a more practical, competency-based approach.
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According to TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, the shift will prioritise hands-on training, with the introduction of a micro-credential system that will allow institutions to assess and certify trainees in specific skill areas.
“We are moving away from a system where students would spend a whole year in training or for extended periods before earning their diplomas and delaying their transition to employment,” Muoria said during a meeting with principals and trainers at Nyeri National Polytechnic.
The new system is designed to allow young people to acquire the necessary skills and certifications in just three months, cutting down on the time traditionally spent in training.
“The aim is to ensure that students gain the relevant skills quickly and can transition into the workforce without unnecessary delays,” she added.
The initiative is also focused on aligning training with industry needs. TVET institutions are collaborating with various organisations to assess and respond to skill demands in sectors such as mechanical, automotive, agriculture, civil engineering and building technology.
The PS explained that the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council would oversee the quality of the revised syllabus, while the TVET Authority will regulate the implementation process.
“The courses will be short modules of three months. After completing one certification, a trainee can progress to another three-month course and continue advancing up to diploma and degree levels,” she said.
The revised curriculum, which will ensure uniform entry requirements for all students enrolling in May, is expected to be ready within a month.
Notably, the new entry requirements will apply regardless of a student’s secondary school grades.
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