Government Reaffirms TVET as Cornerstone of Industrial Growth at 14th Eldoret International Research and Innovation Expo

The Government of Kenya has reiterated its strong commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a vital pillar for national development and industrialization, with a focus on innovation, competence-based training, and youth empowerment.

Speaking at the 14th International Research and Innovation Expo held at The Eldoret National Polytechnic, Mr. Frank Mukuna, the Director of Policy Implementation and Compliance at the State Department for TVET, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, the Principal Secretary for the department.

A Nation in Mourning

Before delving into the main address, Mr. Mukuna began by expressing heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, who passed away recently.

“On behalf of the State Department for TVET and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family of the late Right Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said. “This is a gentleman who has done a lot for this republic. It is a great loss to the nation. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”

Empowering Innovation and Practical Skills

The Expo, which brought together innovators, students, exhibitors, government officials, and industry players, served as a platform to showcase transformative ideas that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Mr. Mukuna emphasized the government’s strategic focus on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) as a transformative shift in Kenya’s education system. Under CBET, training emphasizes hands-on, practical skills, which are essential to prepare graduates who are job-ready or capable of creating their own employment through entrepreneurship.

“We are moving away from an education system that prioritizes academic papers. In CBET, we train you to do the job, not just talk about it in a CV,” he explained. “Our training is based on a 70:30 model—70 percent practical exposure in industry and 30 percent theoretical learning in class.”

He further underlined the government's commitment to ensuring that Kenya produces highly skilled individuals capable of solving real-world problems through innovation, research, and technical training.

 

Dispelling Funding Misconceptions

Responding to concerns raised during a public Q&A about perceived inequality in government funding between universities and TVET institutions, Mr. Mukuna dismissed the claims as inaccurate.

“It is not true that TVET is being sidelined. In fact, the government has prioritized TVET in the national budget,” he said. “We are supporting students through capitation, and both the previous and new funding models are actively supporting TVET learners.”

He noted that the government has developed a robust framework to support TVET infrastructure and policy development across the country. This includes:

• Establishing TVET institutions in nearly every constituency

• Building national polytechnics in every county

• Setting up vocational training centers in every ward

• Providing state-of-the-art equipment to enhance practical training

• Promoting partnerships between TVET institutions and industry for industrial attachment and apprenticeship

“These are tangible investments that demonstrate the government’s commitment to making TVET the engine of Kenya’s industrialization,” Mukuna asserted.

TVET as a Pathway to Entrepreneurship and Employment

Addressing the concerns of final-year students about job opportunities post-graduation, Mr. Mukuna encouraged them to pursue entrepreneurial pathways using their technical skills and innovations.

“Innovation should be aimed at solving societal challenges. If your idea is impactful, the society will embrace it. But first, you must patent your idea to protect it,” he advised. “The Kiondo, a cultural product of Kenya, was patented abroad because we failed to protect our own innovation.”

He emphasized that TVET graduates are trained not only to be job seekers but also job creators, equipped with the skills and knowledge to start and grow businesses, or work effectively in industry without requiring retraining.

“Our goal is to train people who hit the ground running upon graduation. That’s the essence of dual training – for both the job market and for entrepreneurship,” he said.

The Role of Startups and Government Support

The government, Mr. Mukuna revealed, is working on mechanisms to nurture innovations into viable startups that can scale up and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“Through innovation hubs, incubation centers, and government agencies like KENIA (Kenya National Innovation Agency), we aim to provide the necessary support structure for young innovators,” he explained. “The government is creating an enabling environment for ideas to move from concept to commercialization.”

Exporting Skilled Labor: A Strategic Opportunity

Mukuna also addressed concerns over the exportation of skilled labor, clarifying that while domestic job creation remains a priority, international labor markets also present valuable opportunities.

“It is not that we are training only for export. However, if our well-trained youth can be absorbed abroad and bring in foreign exchange, that’s a win,” he said. “Diaspora remittances are now among the top sources of foreign revenue in Kenya.”

He pointed to the youth bulge in Kenya, where over 800,000 youth each year are not absorbed into universities and instead form the target group for TVET institutions.

“We are not just training; we are strategically positioning our youth to compete globally. The private sector must also play its role in expanding employment spaces,” he added.

 

Polytechnic Committed to Research and Innovation

Dr. Charles Koech, the Chief Principal of The Eldoret National Polytechnic, echoed the importance of innovation during his opening remarks.

“This year’s Expo gives our youth a platform to express their talent and showcase innovations that can be patented and commercialized,” he said. “The National Polytechnic is committed not just to providing quality training, but also to driving innovation as a means of tackling unemployment.”

He lauded government efforts in supporting the patenting and commercialization of ideas, urging students to take advantage of organizations like KENIA and other innovation support frameworks.

“There are many government agencies working to support youth innovations. It is crucial that our students know about them and engage actively,” he said. “Knowledge is power.”

A Holistic Approach to Youth Empowerment

The Expo showcased various projects and prototypes developed by students from different TVET institutions across the country, ranging from renewable energy solutions to agricultural innovations and digital technology systems.

With over 100 exhibitors, multiple keynote addresses, and active participation from academia, industry, and government, the Eldoret Expo continues to position itself as a leading platform for fostering talent, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.

In closing, Mr. Mukuna reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the impact of TVET and ensuring that no youth is left behind.

“Through innovation, skills development, and strategic partnerships, we are laying the foundation for an empowered, self-reliant, and industrially progressive Kenya,” he concluded.