Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has called for a review of the curriculum for technical and vocational training institutes.

He said middle level colleges should impart practical skills to learners so they can be competitive in the job market.

Koskei said courses offered by these institutions must meet international standards to enable Kenyan youth to easily access employment opportunities abroad.

He spoke at Ol’Lessos Technical Training Institute in Nandi East, where he presided over the graduation of 2,741 students.

“It is important that graduates meet the recognisable standards of the EU so they can work in Europe and in Asian countries,” Koskei said.

Koskei said TVETs are key to national integration by admitting students from diverse communities, enabling them to learn and embrace different cultures.

He said President William Ruto is passionate about expanding TVETs to increase skilled labour as the country focuses on industrialisation.

“The construction of affordable housing being launched across the country will be built by graduates completing their courses now and released to join the rest of the citizens across the country,”  Koskei added.

He said middle-level colleges are becoming popular among Kenyan youth as training opens avenues for students to get jobs or be self-employed.

Koskei was accompanied by TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, MPs Benard Kitur (Nandi Hills), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen) and Julius Meli (Tinderet).

Last month, PS Muoria said the government is working on a new curriculum in which TVET training will be 70 per cent skills and 30 per cent theory.

“I have been challenged to provide skilled youths. It’s the TVETs principals and trainers who will produce skilled youth and not me but I will work with them to achieve that,” she said.

Muoria said the curriculum has to be reconstructed to equip the trainees with the necessary skills in their areas of specialisation.

She said the governing policy guidelines in TVET also aim to promote access for persons with special needs.