All principals of national polytechnics in Kenya have met to explore partnerships with the Australian government to transform the technical and vocational education sector. The meeting was held this week at Kabete National Polytechnic and was chaired by Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET and Dr. Wilson Kogo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia.
Key Topics
The meeting covered:
- Upskilling TVET Trainers: Training educators to global standards.
- Curriculum Exchange: Developing joint curricula between Kenya and Australia to improve quality and competitiveness.
- Labour Mobility: TVET graduates to migrate to Australia for employment and skills application.
Mutual Benefits
Dr. Muoria said the partnership will establish long term collaborative networks between Kenyan and Australian institutions. These networks will focus on:
- Developing a Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) that meets global standards while addressing local industry needs.
- Faculty exchange programs to share knowledge, foster cross cultural understanding and improve teaching practices.
- Aligning education to industry needs to create both local and international employment opportunities for graduates.
Support
The meeting also had input from key stakeholders, Florah Mulatya, Education Attaché at the High Commission and Zac Gikandi, a senior officer at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) in Australia. They shared insights on the Australian TVET system and how its principles can be applied to the Kenyan education system.
Why TVET is key to National Development
Dr. Muoria said TVET institutions are key to equipping Kenyan youth with skills to thrive in a competitive global market. By partnering with the Australian government, Kenyan polytechnics are positioning themselves to compete globally, students will be well prepared for the dynamic job market both locally and internationally.