The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria has ordered technical training institutions to stop using academic gowns during graduation ceremonies.
Under the new directive, trainees in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will instead wear attire that reflects their specific fields of study. Institutions have been instructed to design appropriate outfits aligned with different technical disciplines so that graduates can easily be identified by their area of training.
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Muoria noted that the long-standing practice of wearing traditional academic robes, borrowed from universities, fails to showcase the practical skills acquired by TVET students and does not reflect the hands-on nature of vocational training. Going forward, graduates will don professional gear relevant to their courses—for instance, mechanics in overalls and chefs in kitchen uniforms.
She made the remarks during the 6th graduation ceremony at Nyeri National Polytechnic, where about 2,500 students received certificates and diplomas.
The PS also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the TVET sector through infrastructure upgrades and modern equipment. With student numbers rising from 350,000 in 2022 to 850,000 currently, the government plans to recruit 1,000 additional trainers this year.
She added that trainer upskilling under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model is ongoing, with more institutions now supporting the training due to high demand at the Kenya School of TVETs.
Muoria further urged institutions to reduce reliance on government funding by developing alternative revenue streams and adopting cost-saving measures such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting.
Additionally, she challenged TVETs to utilize their own technical expertise, encouraging staff and students to handle projects like construction within their institutions instead of outsourcing, as a way to cut costs and reinforce practical learning.
