The University held a virtual celebration to mark the 31 years of existence of the Technology Education Department (TED) on Friday 26th, March 2021 starting 15:00 hours. The theme of the celebration which was ‘Preparation of a 21st Century Technical Teacher’ saw the University partnering with UNEVOC, TVETA and KTTC to make the celebration a success.

Prof. Akenga reiterated the importance of adopting new technologies within the TVET system. She identified that current teachers and workers require problem solving skills, ICT and STEM and the TVET systems needs to rise to the challenge of supporting learners. She reported that the University has sponsored staff to workshops which equip them with the new trends in technology that meet the 21st Century learning and working environment. She finalized by calling upon the TVET teachers to be wary of the challenges that come with inadequate financing and equipping and urged them to be adaptive and look for avenues to source for alternative funds for the betterment of the department.

Her sentiments were echoed by Mr. Darius Mogaka, the Director of University Education in the Ministry of Education who was representing the Chief Guest Amb. Simon Nabukwesi the Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research. In his remark, Mr. Mogaka pointed at the need for TVET to adopt new skills and knowledge necessary for shaping technical teacher education. He noted that most developed countries have turned to Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Thus, TVET institutions are called upon to be driven by the demand in the market. Mr. Mogaka commended the TED Department for producing trainers who give learners tools to shape their future and become relevant to real life situations. He assured that the Ministry is working and supporting the departments’ efforts in actualizing its vision and mission.

Mr. Tom Mulati the Director Vocational and Technical Training who was representing the Principal Secretary Vocational and Technical Training Dr. Margaret Mwakima on the other hand called upon the TED Department to review on its programs in order to meet the industry needs. He added that the department needs to channel out trainers who will teach artisans in the Juakali sector, and directed that the department ought to enhance collaborative engagement with other institutions in order to enhance their mandate and mission as a department.

Other key speakers and presenters who addressed the congregation during the virtual forum included:

1. Dr. Kiprui Langat who presented on TVETs role in provision of skills for labour market, Policy and Regulatory position of TVET in Kenya, TVET Act 2013 and Standards for TVET Trainers.
2. Prof. Kisilu Kitainge who presented on qualifications of skilled workers, need to improve TVET Teacher education and challenges in TVET teacher trainers preparation in Kenya.
3. Dr. Tarno Edwin (KTTC) who presented on competence building of the technical education trainer through practical’s exposure.
4. Prof. Bonaventure Kerre who presented on the history and development of the need for Graduate TVET Teachers.
5. Prof. Ferej Ahmed who presented on CBC Curriculum and technical education. He also moderated the plenary discussions.

Also present during the virtual forum included; representation from the Ministry of Education (University Education and Research and Vocational and Technical Training), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ASA) Prof. Ruth Otunga, Chair TED Department Prof. John Simiyu, Members of Technology Education Department, Trainers from RVTTI, alumni and other interested parties.