Gov't launches textile program in TVETs to boost skills

The government is strategically moving away from conventional training methodologies in the apparel sector, accelerating integration with current global trends that have revolutionised the international apparel industry. 

During the official launch ceremony held at the Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for the State Department for TVET, emphasised the critical importance of developing specialised competencies across multiple industry sectors. 

These include digital design, industrial sewing, production engineering, merchandising, logistics, and strict compliance with international export protocols.

"Kenya cannot afford to train for a bygone era, and it is in response to this reality that the partnership being launched today is regarded as both timely and transformative," Dr. Muoria stated.

"It is in response to this reality that the partnership being launched today is regarded as both timely and transformative," said the PS.

Sainath, the institution part of the collaboration with the TVET State Department, is offering a dual training model that will combine structured, workplace-based learning and theoretical methods. 

Additionally, the institution, operating within the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) ecosystem, has developed proprietary training methodologies aligned with global standards, and maintains access to modern production technologies and established linkages recognised in the industry.

With these strengths under its belt, Sainath is rendered to be in a good position to deliver Kenya’s modularised curriculum, the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum.

The partnership is in support of the government’s two boldest agendas; the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Vision 2030, which are laying emphasis on employment creation, SME development and a skilled, industry-ready labour force.

The collaboration is being piloted in three centres, which will become centres of excellence in fashion and design training.

These are: Karen Technical Institute for the Deaf, Kibra TVC and the Maasai National Polytechnic and will later be rolled out in other TVET institutions.