Mount Kenya East TVET Chairperson and Samburu TTI Principal, Ms Lucy Mutembei, is awarding a trainee for stellar performance during the exhibitions. (Photo by Dickson Mwiti)
By Dickson Mwiti
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have been urged to involve industry and financial institutions in their annual exhibitions and competitions, beginning next year, to create mutual benefits for all stakeholders.
TVET Director of Trainer Management, Dr Lawrence Guantai, said that collaboration among TVET institutions, industries, banks, Saccos, and other organisations during TVET fairs would promote the exchange of ideas and help address challenges facing the sector.
He spoke during the closing ceremony of the Mount Kenya East TVET Fair at Meru National Polytechnic.
He noted that trainees already undertake industrial attachments in companies and financial institutions, where they continue sharpening the skills acquired in college.
”Such partnerships could pave the way for the implementation of dual training programmes among the collaborating institutions,” said Dr Guantai.
He challenged organisers of such fairs to ensure industries participate from next year, even if only through exhibitions.
“This is where our trainees go for attachments. Together, we can find solutions to some challenges through ICT,” said Dr Guantai.
He added that industries could also benefit from the expertise and skills available in TVET institutions through collaboration and exchange programmes.
“They would like to borrow some skills from us. Let them come and exchange ideas with us. We can collaborate through attachments by opening workshops within those institutions and implementing dual training programmes. This is very important,” he said.
He commended principals and trainers for mentoring trainees to high standards despite limited resources.
“Your work as principals and trainers matters. Keep pushing for Curriculum-Based Education Training (CBET), retooling, and linking your work to the realities of the outside world. The fair has shown what is possible when you invest in practical skills,” said Dr Guantai while encouraging trainees to continue developing their skills through improved workshop equipment, more industrial attachments, and stronger recognition of practical experience.
“Let this not be the end, but the spark to build something better. Kenya’s economy needs your hands, minds, and machines. Degrees and certificates open doors, but skills build the nation, as demonstrated by the electricians, designers, and welders during the exhibitions,” he said.
He emphasised that TVET education is central to youth empowerment, innovation, and workforce development in the country.
He further challenged trainers and trainees to remain innovative and persistent in product development.
He advised the exhibitors to ensure they design, build, test, and improve their projects, and if it does not work well the first time, they should improve it because that is what the industry demands.
He also urged trainees to focus on developing products that address real challenges facing the country and local communities.
Mount Kenya East TVET Chairperson and Samburu TTI Principal, Ms Lucy Mutembei, attributed the success of this year’s fair to the modularised curriculum, which places greater emphasis on skills development rather than theoretical knowledge alone.
Ms Mutembei encouraged trainees to apply the skills gained during the event in the marketplace for economic benefit.
She noted that the competition was conducted fairly and transparently, with the best teams earning the opportunity to represent the region at the national level during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County.
“Let the skills and innovations move beyond this place to the outside world. I attribute the success of the exhibitions to the modularised curriculum that prioritises skills development. Today, the best teams emerged victorious and will represent us at the national level in Wajir County during the Madaraka celebrations,” she said.
