The Kenyan government is set to launch talent development programs in all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. This will produce well rounded students by integrating skills based training with talent discovery and commercialization.
According to Acting Assistant Secretary for TVET Education, Mr. Joseph Njau, the program is in line with the Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) model where students will develop both technical skills and creative talents for economic empowerment.
Transforming Talents into Careers
The government through the Ministry of Education will roll out a structured training program to equip youth with skills to turn their talents into profitable ventures.
Mr. Njau said with shrinking white collar job opportunities the program will create new employment pathways and urged both public and private stakeholders to support the program to empower youth.
“TVET institutions will compete in various talent search activities at both local and international levels. This will not only enhance students’ skills but also expose them to new career opportunities,” he said.
Fostering Innovation in Content Creation and the Arts
The program will enhance creative talent development especially in content creation where students will showcase and monetize their skills.
Nyandarua County TVET Director Mr. Peter Karume and Nyandarua National Polytechnic Principal Mr. Felix Mung’atu concurred that students will benefit from industry collaborations that will connect them with potential employers and investors.
TVETs will also provide creative content academies with materials produced by students, so talented individuals can be absorbed into various creative industry roles.
TVET Open Day: Encouraging Youth to Embrace Creativity
Speaking at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic Open Day themed “TVET for Sustainable Development”, officials urged students to tap into emerging opportunities in the creative industry.
“The world is embracing creative arts, and students need to become more innovative to tap into these growing industries,” Mr. Njau said.Now that talent academies and TVETs are in place, Kenya youthshould get creative and develop sellable skills to get out of joblessness and succeed in the economy.