Nairobi — Over 300 education leaders from Nairobi’s technical and vocational institutions gathered at Kiambu National Polytechnic this week for a forum that could shape the future of skills training in Kenya. The focus: a new modular curriculum designed to help young people enter the job market faster and better prepared.
Dr Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), spoke with a clear sense of urgency. “TVETs are not just classrooms,” she said. “They should be workshops where practical skills come alive.”
Since the May intake, more than 66,000 students in the region have enrolled in modular programmes. The new curriculum is built around the “Know–Understand–Do” philosophy, emphasising not just theory but the actual mastery of skills.
Dr Muoria announced a bold target: enrolling two million trainees by December 2025. She stressed that this is not just about numbers but about giving every Kenyan access to practical, market-ready skills. “We want inclusive growth through empowerment,” she said.
The responsibility now rests with principals, deputy principals, and heads of departments. “You must drive awareness, guide trainers technically, and ensure compliance with the curriculum framework,” she told the assembled leaders.
This initiative comes at a crucial time. Kenya’s youth unemployment remains high, and the pressure to equip young people with skills that match the needs of a changing economy is mounting. The modular approach aims to shorten training time without sacrificing quality, allowing learners to finish courses and find work more quickly.
Dr Muoria’s rallying call makes clear that Kenya’s government is betting on TVETs to provide practical solutions for economic growth and social empowerment. Whether the ambitious target will be met remains to be seen, but the momentum is building.
