The government is set to launch a textile and apparel skills enhancement program in 15 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country to address youth unemployment.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, announced that the program aims to reduce TVET wastage rates by equipping youth with specific skills and key competencies within the shortest time possible.
To achieve this, the department is restructuring curricula into micro-credentials, allowing trainees to gain specialized skills and graduate quickly, enabling them to secure employment or venture into entrepreneurship.
Speaking during a consultative forum with principals from the selected 15 TVET institutions, Dr. Muoria said the program will be piloted at:
- Tetu Technical and Vocational College
- Kenya Coast National Polytechnic
- Kisii National Polytechnic
- Belgut Technical Training Institute
- Rift Valley National Polytechnic
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic
- Kibra TVC
- Nkabune TTI
- Nyeri National Polytechnic
- Maasai National Polytechnic
- Kisumu National Polytechnic
- Nairobi National Polytechnic
- Tharaka TVC
- Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf
Dr. Muoria noted that despite numerous job opportunities in the textile and apparel industry, a significant skills gap persists.
To bridge this gap, the State Department for TVET is partnering with Sainath Education Institute to train youth in fashion and design, ensuring they are well-prepared for available jobs in the sector.
She emphasized that the initiative is designed to provide a highly skilled workforce for textile and apparel companies, including those in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Additionally, the program will upskill TVET trainers in fashion and design and expose them to modern, state-of-the-art equipment.
Implementation of the textile and apparel skills enhancement program is set to begin at the end of March in Nairobi and Mombasa before expanding to other regions.
Dr. Muoria further stated that the State Department for TVET is refining the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum by integrating core competency units that can be completed within six to eight months, enhancing employability for graduates.
