TVET Institutions Urged to Lead Innovation, Research and Sustainable Development at RVTTI International Conference

 

 By Wasike Elvis

  Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya have been challenged to take a central role in driving innovation, research, and entrepreneurship as the nation seeks practical solutions to unemployment, industrialization, climate change, and rapid technological transformation.

The call came during the 14th Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) International Conference, themed “Transformative Agenda in TVET: Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, which brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and students from across the globe.

Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of TVET, delivered the closing remarks and emphasized that research in TVET must go beyond presentations and reports.

“I was honoured to close this year’s RVTTI International Conference, a platform that brought together researchers and innovators from different countries,” Dr. Muoria said. “Research must not end in presentations, applause, or conference proceedings. The real test of an idea is whether it is given life beyond the conference. TVET must never bury research findings in reports; instead, we must translate them into practical solutions that strengthen skills, productivity, and national transformation.”

 

The PS praised trainers, researchers, and particularly trainees for showcasing practical innovations with the potential to address real challenges in communities, industries, and the broader economy. She highlighted ongoing efforts by the State Department to collaborate with regulatory agencies to streamline patenting and commercialization processes, enabling promising TVET innovations to move from prototypes to market-ready solutions.

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions must now take center stage in driving research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development,” Dr. Muoria said.

TVET: Beyond Skills Training

RVTTI Principal Ms. Loice Kutoh echoed the call, noting that the world is experiencing unprecedented technological and economic changes that demand practical, innovative, and adaptable solutions—areas where TVET institutions have a unique advantage.

“TVET is no longer just an alternative pathway—it is a primary solution,” Ms. Kutoh said. “Our sector is being called upon to answer some of the world’s most urgent questions: How do we outpace rapid technological change? How do we build climate resilience? How do we solve youth unemployment? How do we meet the evolving demands of future workplaces?”

She stressed that TVET institutions must abandon the outdated perception of being mere training centers producing skilled workers. Instead, they should evolve into dynamic hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship, applied research, and problem-solving.

 

“Our institutions must position themselves at the forefront of developing practical solutions that directly address societal and industrial challenges,” she said.

According to Ms. Kutoh, the future competitiveness of nations will increasingly depend not only on academic knowledge but also on the ability to develop a technically skilled workforce capable of innovating and adapting to emerging technologies.

Global Participation and Knowledge Exchange

The RVTTI conference attracted participants from multiple countries, creating a unique platform for sharing best practices, research findings, and innovative ideas in technical education.

Sessions covered topics such as green technologies, climate-resilient innovations, digital transformation, and applied research for industrial development, providing a rich knowledge exchange for students, educators, and policymakers.

Researchers and innovators presented solutions ranging from affordable solar energy systems and water conservation technologies to industrial automation and digital skill applications, demonstrating how TVET institutions can provide tangible solutions to local and global challenges.

Transforming TVET in Kenya

Dr. Muoria emphasized that for TVET research to be impactful, it must translate into practical solutions that enhance productivity, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

“The State Department for TVET is committed to ensuring that promising innovations are supported to reach commercialization,” she said. “By providing regulatory guidance, funding support, and collaboration with industry, we can ensure that TVET innovations contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Ms. Kutoh concluded by urging institutions to rethink their approach to technical education, focusing on applied research, innovation, and enterprise development.

“TVET institutions have the potential to lead Kenya into a new era of sustainable development, where technical skills, creativity, and innovation are at the heart of industrial growth and societal progress,” she said.

The 14th RVTTI International Conference reinforced the growing recognition of TVET as a critical pillar of national development, highlighting its role not only in skills training but also as a hub for research, technology transfer, and enterprise development.