TVETs to Repair Government Vehicles as PS Muoria Launches KASNEB Micro-Credential Drive in Eldoret

By Wasike Elvis 

The government has intensified efforts to align technical and professional training with industry demands following the launch of KASNEB Revision Guides and a Consultative Forum for KASNEB Centres of Excellence at the Eldoret National Polytechnic.

The event, officiated by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria, brought together education stakeholders, KASNEB officials, trainers and students to discuss the future of competency-based education, professional certification and skills development in Kenya.

Speaking during the forum, Dr. Muoria reaffirmed the government's commitment to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), saying the ongoing reforms are designed to ensure graduates leave institutions with practical skills that can be directly applied in the workplace.

She noted that the focus of training is gradually shifting from the acquisition of knowledge to the demonstration of competence, professional attitudes and the ability to solve real-world challenges.

"The question is no longer what qualification one holds, but what one can do with that qualification. We want graduates who can improve efficiency, strengthen governance, solve problems, create businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy," said Dr. Muoria.

The Principal Secretary lauded KASNEB for embedding competency-based approaches in its training and assessment processes, adding that the institution's embrace of technology-enabled learning and computer-based examinations was helping produce professionals who are better prepared for modern workplaces.

A major highlight of the event was the government's endorsement of micro-credentials as a pathway to specialized and industry-responsive training. Dr. Muoria explained that micro-credentials allow learners to acquire targeted skills within a short period and progressively build toward full professional qualifications.

According to her, the approach will help address emerging labour market demands by producing graduates with expertise in specific areas rather than broad qualifications that may not directly meet industry needs.

"We have educated young people in this country for many years, but one of the gaps we have identified is the need to craft learners with exactness and specialization. Micro-credentials will allow us to train individuals who can transform workplaces and industries because they possess highly focused competencies," she said.

The PS further emphasized the importance of integrating technical and professional training, noting that collaboration between TVET institutions and KASNEB would enable students to graduate with both technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills.

She said such partnerships are critical in preparing young people for employment opportunities locally and internationally while also empowering them to start and manage successful enterprises.

Dr. Muoria also announced plans to increase practical learning opportunities through the establishment of operational garages within TVET institutions. She revealed that 11 TVET institutions equipped with automotive training facilities are in the process of being registered as garages that can undertake repair and maintenance of government vehicles.

The initiative, she said, will expose students to real-life industrial work and significantly improve the quality of training.

"Previously, students mainly trained using engines and demonstration vehicles. Once government vehicles begin coming into our institutions for repair, learners will be working on real assignments and real customer vehicles. This will make the training more practical, more serious and more impactful," she explained.

She added that the initiative would also create a new revenue stream for institutions while enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation among students.

The Eldoret National Polytechnic Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech welcomed the government's move, describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening the link between training institutions and industry.

Dr. Koech said the integration of KASNEB professional programmes with technical training would provide students with a competitive advantage in the labour market by equipping them with a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills.

He noted that the institution was proud to host the launch and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the quality and relevance of training offered to Kenyan youth.

"The future of education lies in producing graduates who are competent, innovative and responsive to industry needs. The introduction of micro-credentials and stronger collaboration with professional bodies such as KASNEB will help us achieve this goal," said Dr. Koech.

He further observed that the growing emphasis on practical training aligns with the institution's vision of producing job creators rather than job seekers.

KASNEB Independent Director Samantha Kipury also underscored the importance of continuous learning in an era of rapid technological and economic change.

She said KASNEB's revised syllabus takes into account evolving industry requirements while ensuring that learners acquire both theoretical understanding and practical competence.

"The world is changing very fast. People need opportunities to continuously learn, reskill and specialize. Our objective is not only to produce skilled professionals but empowered individuals capable of driving transformation in their sectors," she said.

Kipury clarified that KASNEB was not abandoning theory in favour of practical learning but rather seeking a balanced approach that equips learners with foundational knowledge as well as the tools needed to apply that knowledge effectively.

The launch of the KASNEB Revision Guides and the consultative forum is expected to strengthen collaboration among KASNEB Centres of Excellence across the country, improve access to quality learning resources and enhance examination preparedness for candidates pursuing professional qualifications.

Education stakeholders expressed optimism that the reforms would contribute to the government's broader agenda of building a highly skilled, ethical and entrepreneurial workforce capable of driving Kenya's industrialization and economic transformation.

With the growing focus on competency-based learning, micro-credentials and industry partnerships, the education sector is increasingly positioning itself to produce graduates who can seamlessly transition into employment, create enterprises and respond effectively to the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.