The government is strengthening technical and vocational education to enhance the country’s capacity to offer practical training, President William Ruto has said.
The President said the objective is to use the power of technical vocational education and training (TVET) to push the potential of young people to positively contribute to economic growth.
He pointed out that the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) was designed to accelerate economic growth by investing in critical pillars that create employment for millions of skilled youth.
"As we implement policies, programmes and projects which create jobs for the youth, we must simultaneously equip millions of young Kenyans with the education, training and skills necessary to enhance their productivity in a dynamic, globalised and competitive labour market," Ruto said.
This financial year, the government has allocated Sh28.3 billion to TVET institutions.
"We intend to keep raising the budgetary allocation in future until we achieve an optimal level of investment," he said.
The government is also recruiting 2,000 TVET tutors, to increase the total number to 4,000.
The President announced that China has approved Sh13 billion for Kenya to support 70 TVET institutions with state-of-the-art equipment.
Present were Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, MPs and MCAs.
The President spoke on Tuesday during the centenary celebrations of TVET in Kenya at the Nyeri National Polytechnic.
This year marks exactly 100 years since the Native Industrial Training Depot currently Kabete National Polytechnic was established in 1924.
Ruto was at the institution to launch the celebrations dubbed TVET@100 Torch and Flame.
The Torch will be passed through TVET institutions across the country.
The climax celebrations will conclude at a major event set to be held on July 31 at the Kabete Polytechnic.
During the centenary celebrations, the President offered an unexpected internship opportunity at State House to a student from the Nyeri National Polytechnic.
Mercy Mwende, currently pursuing hospitality, catering and accommodation at the institution requested Ruto to give her a job opportunity at the offices.
“I know in Statehouse we have a hospitality department, right? She queried amidst laughter from the president and other leaders during a moment of interaction in one of the classrooms at the polytechnic with the students," Mwende said.
“It would be my pleasure if you would recognise me at least I work in State House as I do hospitality and accommodation.”
While acknowledging the request, Ruto responded warmly and tasked his handlers to grant her an internship opportunity.