The government urges thousands of KCSE candidates who await university placement later in the year to consider joining TVET institutions for practical skills rather than staying at home.
TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria made the appeal on Friday during a graduation ceremony at the Rift Valley Training and Vocational Institute, adding that the months between now and September’s university intake present a valuable opportunity for the youth to build hands-on skills.
At the same time, Muoria says that 250,000 students are still waiting for their placement to university, while many others have finished Form Four, not knowing what the future holds.
“This is time they can put to good use,” she said. “We can train them, shape their skills and prepare them for life within the months they are still at home.”
TVET institutions across the country can absorb them sufficiently and offer short courses that are skills-based, practical, and job-ready. The PS further explained that even a few months of training are good enough to equip learners with competencies that they can rely on long after they leave school.
Muoria also clarified that joining a TVET institution does not lock students out of university education, adding that credits attained through the TVET programmes can be transferred into universities and allow learners to continue with studies from an appropriate level, considering what they have covered.
She explained further that TVETs were still a key option for those students who did not get the minimum grades to enter universities, and they thus provide them with other ways of acquiring technical skills and professional qualification.
On student financing, PS said the government released TVET scholarship funds last week, and HELB loans are expected to be disbursed within the next two weeks to ease access to training.
Students willing to join the TVET institutions are, therefore, free to apply either through the TVET portal or directly to colleges of their choice.
The courses offered vary from artisan to certificate, diploma, and higher diplomas, although some have become innovative in offering apprenticeship programs that combine classroom work with actual jobs.
While enrolment into TVET is open all year round, students have been encouraged to apply early to secure a place in courses lined up for commencement before the September university intake.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service urged students who are seeking placement in universities and colleges to attend the 1st National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026.
The event is expected to bring together learners, higher education institutions and industry players to offer guidance on education and career pathways ahead of the placement process.
