Kenya Faces Shortage of Qualified Trainers in Booming TVET Institutions.
A significant increase in student enrollment within Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions has exposed a shortage of qualified trainers. Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, highlighted this disparity during a recent speech at the 6th PASET Conference in Nairobi.
Current figures reveal a student body of 389,962 compared to just 7,133 trainers, resulting in a student-to-trainer ratio of 1:55. This falls well short of the recommended ratio of 1:20, potentially hindering the quality of education delivered.
In recognition of this imbalance, the government has initiated efforts to bridge the gap by recruiting an additional 2,000 trainers. This initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to modernizing its TVET system and ensuring it effectively meets the evolving needs of the nation’s industrial and labor market.
Mr. Machogu emphasized the critical role TVET plays in equipping young people with job-ready skills and providing adults with lifelong learning opportunities. He stressed the importance of ensuring access to high-quality training facilities to empower the next generation.
The surge in student enrollment is attributed to several factors, including government capitation programs, universal secondary school completion rates, efforts to rebrand TVET’s image, and increased support for institutions catering to students with special needs.
However, Mr. Machogu acknowledged that this rapid growth has outpaced the current infrastructure, equipment, and support facilities available. To address these capacity limitations, the government is reviewing the legal framework governing the TVET system with the aim of standardizing trainer service plans and streamlining administrative processes.
The PASET Conference, which convened academics, business leaders, and government representatives from across Africa, served as a platform to discuss the continent’s future in terms of entrepreneurship, education, and skills development. The conference theme, “Leveraging Technical, Vocational and Technical Training (TVET) in the Knowledge and Skills Ecosystem for Africa’s Industrialization,” underscored the growing recognition of TVET as a key driver of economic growth and workforce preparedness.
Kenya’s TVET sector is experiencing a period of significant expansion. While this growth is positive, it necessitates a focus on increasing the number of qualified trainers to ensure students receive the high-quality education they deserve. The government’s commitment to addressing this challenge demonstrates its recognition of TVET’s vital role in shaping a skilled and competitive workforce for the future.
Kenya Faces Shortage of Qualified Trainers in Booming TVET Institutions