UGENYA: Kenya is currently implementing far-reaching reforms across the education sector to strengthen competence, productivity, and relevance, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), Esther Muoria, during the inaugural graduation ceremony at Ugenya Technical and Vocational College, Dr Ogamba emphasized a strategic shift.

He noted that the transition toward Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Competency-Based Training (CBT) is designed to ensure learners are equipped not just with theoretical knowledge, but with the practical ability to apply skills effectively within the economy.

The Education boss highlighted that the Ministry of Education is strengthening the alignment between basic education, TVET, and university education through the Kenya National Qualification Framework (KNQF) to support seamless progression across learning pathways.

“We now have a policy, the Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (KCATS), developed alongside universities. This allows individuals to transfer progressively earned credits all the way to a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) level,” he said.

He challenged TVET graduates to pursue higher education and continue horning their skills to remain competitive.

Shifting Focus to Industry Needs

Dr Ogamba noted that the demand for technically competent workers is growing both locally and internationally.

He urged TVET institutions to move away from training purely for certification and instead embrace training for competence.

“The success of TVETs must be measured not simply by enrollment and graduation numbers, but by whether graduates possess the competence required by industry, and whether they can create enterprises, improve productivity, and solve real-world challenges,” Ogamba stated.

Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng also challenged the institution to introduce foreign languages such as Spanish, Chinese, German, and French.

He noted that these languages would make graduates more marketable for international jobs through various government labor initiatives.

Ochieng lauded the government for bringing technical training closer to the public, noting that it has provided a second chance for many who had lost hope.

“Among the graduands here today are individuals who had resigned to fate and were already married. We had to convince them that marriage is just the beginning of life and that they could still join a TVET to acquire skills,” Ochieng said.

The ceremony saw 717 students graduate with various technical skills, marking a milestone for the Ugenya-based institution.