Crisis In TVETs As Intake Exceeds Number of Teachers

Looming Crisis in TVET Institutions. TVET institutions are experiencing a surge in student enrollment, leading to a demand for more teachers, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu. He revealed in Nairobi that the current student enrollment stands at 389,962, outnumbering the available trainers, which total 7,133.

This enrollment surge has surpassed the recommended trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:20, resulting in a ratio of 1:55.

To address this discrepancy, the government has initiated the recruitment of 2,000 additional trainers. Machogu emphasized Kenya’s commitment to revamping the TVET system to align with the nation’s evolving industrial and labor market demands.

He stressed the importance of TVETs in equipping youth for employment and offering lifelong learning opportunities for adults.

The substantial increase in TVET enrollment is attributed to various factors, including the government’s policy of universal secondary education, financial support for TVET students, and efforts to enhance the image of special needs institutions.

However, this surge in enrollment has strained the existing infrastructure, equipment, and support facilities. To mitigate these challenges, Machogu highlighted the government’s plans to review the legal framework governing TVETs to improve the management of technical trainers and standardize their service schemes.

Hendrina Doroba, the African Development Bank Division Manager for Education, Human Capital, and Skills Development, emphasized the importance of African governments prioritizing the development of TVET institutions and setting their own development agendas.

She urged governments to take the lead in determining their socioeconomic direction and seek support from development partners accordingly.

The discussion panel, including Rwanda’s Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere, underscored the critical role of TVET in Africa’s industrialization journey. The symposium convened stakeholders from academia, industry, and government across the continent to deliberate on the future of skills, education, and entrepreneurship, under the theme “Leveraging TVET in Africa’s industrialization.”