Transport, distribution and logistics such as plant operations and driving skills are the most sought by employers, according to Federation of Kenya Employers.
In its latest skills needs survey report released on Tuesday, the employers' umbrella body says the top Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills demand by enterprises are on transport and logistics at 21.3 per cent.
“It is followed by electrical and building & construction at 21.1 per cent and 18.2 per cent, respectively,” says the report.
“Other vocation skills in demand are in agriculture, hospitality, automotive, medical and food production.”
Beauty therapy, leather & footwear technology and fashion design respectively are the least sought skills from vocational institutions.
The report further highlights some of the secondary education skill-based level that employers are increasingly looking for in the market today.
The top sought skills in this bracket are in the fields of public safety, corrections and security, transport and logistics, education & training and health science, respectively.
The report's findings reflect the government’s strive to revitalise the TVET sector in a bid to address the prevailing labour market demands in the country.
Speaking at the three-day national TVET conference that ended on November 17, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said the working party recommended periodic review of the TVET curriculum to ensure its relevance to the dynamic needs of the job market.
He reiterated the importance of close and robust linkages and connections between TVET institutions and the job industry.
Speakers at the forum noted that the country has more than 845 accredited TVETs, but the courses offered are not aligned with global standards.
“Among key recommendations of the task force is to roll out Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which entails identifying, documenting, assessing and certification of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired through previous training, work, or life experience,” Machogu said.
His sentiments reflect those of state department for technical vocational education and training PS Esther Muoria, who early last month said the ministry is working to ensure each constituency in the country gets at least a TVET institution.
Speaking during the submission of the progress report before the National Assembly Education Committee, she said, only 52 constituencies out of 290 do not have a TVET institution.