Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has outlined the government's efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education as a key driver of innovation, industrial growth and job creation in Kenya.
Koskei said research must translate into practical solutions that improve productivity, create employment opportunities and transform livelihoods, noting that innovation remains essential to achieving sustainable development.
He spoke on Thursday when he delivered the keynote address and officially opened the 3rd International Multidisciplinary Research Conference at Kisii National Polytechnic.
The conference, which was conducted both physically and virtually, brought together researchers, training institutions, industry representatives and young innovators to discuss the role of science, technology and innovation in promoting sustainability and creating future green jobs.
Koskei said the discussions aligned with the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Fourth Medium Term Plan of Vision 2030, particularly in reducing production costs, improving productivity and generating sustainable employment.
He explained that the government was positioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions as centres for converting research findings into practical skills, industrial applications and commercially viable innovations.
To support this agenda, Koskei highlighted several initiatives, including the development of 292 modularised Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes and the recruitment of 5,637 trainers.
He also revealed that Dual Training had been introduced in 98 institutions through 2,013 industry partnerships, strengthening the connection between classroom learning and workplace experience.
On environmental sustainability, Koskei said green competencies had been incorporated into 96 curricula, while 91 TVET institutions had been equipped with solar power.
Additionally, 182 institutions had been equipped under the Jitume programme, which has reached more than 115,000 young people who have collectively earned KSh108.99 million through digital work.
Koskei challenged researchers and young innovators to prioritise applied research, prototyping and technology development, particularly in food security, clean energy, waste management, climate adaptation and sustainable production.
The event was attended by TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria, Kisii National Polytechnic Principal Dr Geoffrey Andama, other institutional leaders, council members and students.
https://x.com/koske_felix/status/2120837319057936401?s=19
Leave a Reply