Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has explained why a huge TVET torch is going round the country as the higher institutions of learning mark 100 years of existence.
Machogu on Wednesday noted that the torch was in Nyanza region this week, particularly in Migori county.
"The purpose of the torch really is to get to every corner of the country creating awareness that our young people should not stay home even if they scored a D," Machogu said.
"Nobody should stay home. They should be able to take an opportunity of training in a TVET or TTI," Machogu said.
The TVET torch was launched by President William Ruto two months ago at the Nyeri National Polytechnic before it started going round the country.
The torch will go round and stop at Kabete National Polytechnic where the centenary celebrations will be held on July 31.
He said the torch will go to all 47 counties to sensitise the youth to invest in gaining technical skills necessary for the industry.
"If we want to achieve our vision 2030, then we must equip the young people with the necessary skills and competencies which can only be achievable from our technical institutions and TVETs," he said.
Machogu said the ministry wants to change any negative notion Kenyans have about TVETs as they offer opportunities for employment.
Machogu said the ministry believes more students can be enrolled in TVETs and Teachers Training Institutions.
The CS said though the ministry has not achieved the maximum potential of the technical institutions, it is key to celebrate the milestones so far made in the 100 years TVETs have existed.
Further, he said in very few years, the state has been able to construct 238 TVET institutions.
"We have been able to provide equipment to a number of our institutions," he said.
Machogu said trainees from TVETs are currently driving the Kenyan economy with their skills.
He said the ministry targets to have a TVET institution in all the 290 constituencies in the country.
"We have 238, there are 70 of them which still don't have equipment. But this year, we have been able to provide funds and in two or three months we will be able to avail the required equipment to those institutions lacking," he said.
He said only 52 constituencies do not have a TVET, adding that the state is working to build 16 more this year.