Department of Technology Education

TVET Institutions and Industry Partnerships: Academic Staff’s Perceptions of their Perceived Effect on Graduates’ Employability Skills

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

TVET Institutions and Industry Partnerships: Academic Staff’s Perceptions of their Perceived Effect on Graduates’ Employability Skills Bagumisiriza, Robert; Simiyu, John; Wanyeki, Paul Graduate’s employability skills remain a vital aspect in the Technical Vocation Education and Training based on the employers’ requirements across industries. This study aimed at establishing the perceptions of the TVET academic staff to examine how TVET-industry influence the employability skills of graduates. Particularly, this study focuses on the views of academic staff about how TVET-industry collaboration in curriculum development, sharing of training resources, industry participation in practical training and trainer professional development opportunities influence the TVET graduates’ employability skills as the study’s key constructs. The study conducted in 2024 utilized a cross sectional study design using a structured questionnaire with 5-point Linkert scale items that was administered to a sample of 217 academic staff who indicated the extent to which they agree with the statements corresponding to each construct. The sample wascorrelation, and Structural Equation Model (SEM) using the STATA 17.0 ((Stata-Corp College Station, TX, USA) software to study the relationship among the study variables. The results grounded in the perceptions of the academic staff showed significant relationships curriculum development, sharing training resources, industry engagement in practical training, professional development and employability skills of the graduates. Additionally, the findings revealed perceived direct perceived effects from practical training on sharing of training resources, professional development opportunities for trainers, and employability. More so, the findings showed that sharing training resources and training opportunities are perceived to have direct perceived effects on graduates’ employability. This paper emphasizes, from the perspective of academic staff at TVET institutions, the necessity of reinforcing collaborative relationships between TVET institutions and industry partners recommending joint curriculum design and review committees, industry-based internship, promotion of continuous professional development and sharing resources. While relying on the academic staff’s perceptions, this paper provides a great contribution towards the knowledge pool of TVET-industry partnership determinants of the employability skills of TVET graduates. selected using purposive sampling technique. The perception-based data was coded and analyzed using correlation, and Structural Equation Model (SEM) using the STATA 17.0 ((Stata-Corp College Station, TX, USA) software to study the relationship among the study variables. The results grounded in the perceptions of the academic staff showed significant relationships curriculum development, sharing training resources, industry engagement in practical training, professional development and employability skills of the graduates. Additionally, the findings revealed perceived direct perceived effects from practical training on sharing of training resources, professional development opportunities for trainers, and employability. More so, the findings showed that sharing training resources and training opportunities are perceived to have direct perceived effects on graduates’ employability. This paper emphasizes, from the perspective of academic staff at TVET institutions, the necessity of reinforcing collaborative relationships between TVET institutions and industry partners recommending joint curriculum design and review committees, industry-based internship, promotion of continuous professional development and sharing resources. While relying on the academic staff’s perceptions, this paper provides a great contribution towards the knowledge pool of TVET-industry partnership determinants of the employability skills of TVET graduates.

Proposed Framework for Effective Collaboration between TVET Institutions and Industry for Enhancing Employability Skills: Evidence from Selected Institutions in Uganda

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Proposed Framework for Effective Collaboration between TVET Institutions and Industry for Enhancing Employability Skills: Evidence from Selected Institutions in Uganda Bagumisiriza, Robert; Simiyu, John; Wanyeki, Paul Effective collaborations between TVET institutions and industry play a significant role in the acquisition of technical and soft skills by the learners and in sharing knowledge. This study focused on proposing a framework towards effective collaboration between TVET institutions and the industry to enhance the employability skills of the graduates. The study utilised qualitative responses from 217 trainers, including heads of academic departments, 11 principals of TVET institutions, and 18 industry experts, including operational managers, human resources, and staff. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis supported by Dedoose software. The framework was developed using the Context Input Process Product (CIPP) model. The participants identified key collaborating areas, including: curriculum development, industrial training, training of staff, and sharing training resources. More so, the participants identified facilitating activities that supplement the core mechanisms identified, including seminars, workshops, and cocurricular activities. Nonetheless, the results established that this partnership experiences barriers such as poor communication, varying policies, values, cultures, resource gaps, financial constraints, and limited skills of some trainers. The framework emphasises clear stakeholder involvement, clear collaboration mechanisms and strategies, collaborative resource mobilisation, streamlined communication, reporting and feedback channels, and monitoring and evaluation of collaboration for effectiveness. This framework is a useful resource towards building strong and meaningful partnerships between the TVET institutions and the industry, which facilitates practical training to improve the skills of the trainees, thus meeting the skills requirements of the job market.

Effects Of Integrating ICT in Teaching Electrochemistry Concepts on Student’s Attitude and Mastery of Content

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Effects Of Integrating ICT in Teaching Electrochemistry Concepts on Student’s Attitude and Mastery of Content Obuya, Jabes; Waswa, Peter; Mubichakani, Joseph The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching concepts on student’s attitude and mastery of content. The contention of this article is that poor performance in high school chemistry leads to limited understanding of essential scientific principles, hampering students' readiness for advanced STEM courses, reducing future career opportunities in science-related fields, and contributing to overall low academic achievement in sciences. Electrochemistry as a topic is regarded as one of the most difficult chemistry topics in which both pre-service teachers and students had learning difficulties. The abstract nature of chemistry that makes it highly amenable to ICT integration. The difficult concepts can be animated and made to appear simple. The study found that integrating ICT in teaching significantly improved students' mastery of electrochemistry concepts and improved student’s attitude. This approach enhanced understanding and engagement, aligning with research emphasizing hands-on, interactive learning with technology. In conclusion the ministry of education through curriculum developers should enhancing ICT integration in science education by providing professional training to teachers and ensuring adequate ICT infrastructure for integrating ICT into curriculum.

TVET-industry Collaboration Mechanisms Enhancing Employability Skills of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates: Evidence from Selected Institutions in Uganda

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

TVET-industry Collaboration Mechanisms Enhancing Employability Skills of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates: Evidence from Selected Institutions in Uganda Bagumisiriza, Robert; Simiyu, John; Wanyeki, Paul The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of TVET-Industry collaboration in curriculum development, industry participation in practical training, sharing of training resources and training opportunities on employability skills of TVET graduates. This study considered more factors that influence graduate employability skills in addition to curriculum development as has been studied by many scholars. This study utilized cross sectional survey data collected from 217 trainers & heads of department. The data was analyzed using correlation, stepwise OLS multiple regression to study the relationships among the study variables using the Stata 17.0 (Stata-Corp College Station, TX, USA) software. The study findings showed that curriculum development (β=0.619, p<0.05), industry involvement in practical training (β=0.169, p<0.05), sharing of training resources (β=1.107, p<0.05), and training opportunities for trainers (β=0.446, p<0.05), have significant positive effects on the employability skills of the TVET graduates. These results implied that employability skills of graduates rely heavily on the nature of curriculum studied, transfer of practical skills by industry experts to the learners through industrial training, availability of training resources that facilitate learning as swell as level of knowledge possessed by the trainers. The findings suggested establishment of joint curriculum design and review committees, the promotion of continuous professional development and research activities, and the creation of dedicated liaison offices. This research provided a great contribution towards the knowledge pool of key determinants of the employability skills of TVET graduates as well as establishing the need to formalize, strengthen and coordinate collaborations between the TVET institutions and the industry.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF AN OPTIMIZED WOOD-FIRED BOILER IN A TEA PROCESSING FACTORY IN KERICHO, KENYA

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF AN OPTIMIZED WOOD-FIRED BOILER IN A TEA PROCESSING FACTORY IN KERICHO, KENYA KAMUNGE, IMOSES Energy resources are generally constrained and costly, resulting in a gap between the rising demand for energy and the available supply. Tea factories are no exception, as many rely on boiler as a source of energy for their operations. The high cost of fuel has led these factories to adopt challenging solutions, such as using wood as a combustion source for boilers. Given that wood is an expensive source of fuel, implementing effective energy management strategies is crucial to ensuring sustainable productivity. This research aimed to optimize boiler energy usage and develop an energy management plan (EMP) to enhance boiler efficiency and minimize gas emissions. The study was grounded in three theories: the Theory of Moisture Sorption, the Phlogiston Theory, and the Lavoisier Theory. The researcher applied the research onion framework, focusing on factors such as air- fuel ratio, the boiler’s surface heat loss, the fuel's moisture content, and boiler flue gas losses. A fuzzy logic controller was designed to optimize the combustion process of the boiler. Simulations revealed that the fuzzy logic controller significantly improved the AF ratio, boosting efficiency from 78% to 81% during combustion. The optimized parameters enabled the creation of an energy management plan (EMP), which was validated using a continuous-time dynamic model. Validation results indicated an initial linear temperature increase, suggesting enhanced heat transfer and accelerated heat absorption by water. Near the boiling point of water (373.15 K or 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure), the graph plateaued, as additional heat contributed primarily to the phase change from water to steam. Applying the developed EMP in industrial settings would improve boiler combustion efficiency, enhance productivity, and reduce emissions, thereby mitigating environmental pollution.

EFFECT OF DETERMINANTS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IMPLEMENTATION ON INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN NORTH RIFT REGION, KENYA

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECT OF DETERMINANTS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IMPLEMENTATION ON INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN NORTH RIFT REGION, KENYA KALULU, FRANCIS The objective of quality assurance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions is ensuring their training services effectively meet the demands of trainees, industry and society. Thus, TVET institutions have embarked on quality mission as an effort to uncover the best approaches for embedding quality assurance in their instructional management. In this regard, the study was designed to assess the effect of determinants of quality assurance implementation on instructionalmanagement in TVET institutions in North Rift Region, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine the effect of technology on instructional management, assess the effect of trainer’s commitment on instructional management, analyze the effect of leadership on instructional management and find out the effect of resources on instructional management in TVET institutions in North Rift Region, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Deming's theory of quality management, cognitive learning theory and the systems theory. The study employed mixed method research design ingrained with positivist and interpretivist philosophy. The target population comprised of 470 trainers of mechanical engineering departments, electrical engineering departments, building departments, management representatives from ISO 9001: 2015 accredited TVET institutions in the North-Rift region. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table was used to calculate the sample size of 214 respondents which was proportionally allocated to the TVET institutions using Neyman’s Allocation formula. The primary data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires and semi- structured interview schedule. Data was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Regression, Correlation and ANOVA) while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression model using SPSS version 25. From the findings coefficient of determination (R square) of 0.784 indicated that the model explained only 78.4 % of the variation or change in instructional management of TVET institutions. Technology (t =2.212, P<.05), trainer’s commitment (t =3.3012, P<.05), leadership (t =2.227, P<.05) and resources is (t =6.254, P<.05). The study findings indicated that technology, trainers’ commitment, leadership and resources significantly affect instructional management of TVET institutions in North Rift Region, Kenya. Therefore, TVET institutions should consider strengthening and bundling technology, trainers’ commitment, leadership and resources using a policy framework to enhance their synergy in implementation of quality assurance. This will enhance positive and significant outcomes in terms of instructional management in engineering courses in public TVET institutions for the realization of sustainable development goals.

DETERMINANTS OF THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND THE INDUSTRY IN TRANS NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

DETERMINANTS OF THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND THE INDUSTRY IN TRANS NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA CHEPKWONY, EZEKIEL The disconnect between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industry remains a significant challenge in Kenya, limiting the capacity of graduates to meet labor market expectations. In Trans Nzoia County, the gap in effective collaboration between TVET institutions and industries undermines efforts toward skills development, economic growth, and workforce alignment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of collaboration between TVET institutions and industries in the region. Specifically, the objectives were: to investigate the influence of institutional capacity on TVET–industry collaboration, to determine the influence of industry demand on TVET–industry collaboration; and to examine the influence of alignment of interests on TVET–industry collaboration. A mixed-methods research design was employed, grounded in the pragmatic research paradigm. The study targeted TVET trainers, principals, and industry representatives, comprising a total population of 394. A sample size of 178 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula and selected using proportionate sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires (for trainers) and semi-structured interviews (for principals and industry representatives). Instrument validity was ensured through expert review and pilot testing, while reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding coefficients above the 0.70 threshold. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Ethical considerations included informed consent, confidentiality, voluntary participation, and clearance from relevant bodies, including NACOSTI and the University of Eldoret Research Ethics Office. The findings revealed that institutional capacity is constrained by inadequate infrastructure, weak governance structures, and limited industry linkages, though staff competency and quality assurance systems were acknowledged. Industries’ demand was present but not matched by proactive collaboration or investment, and poor communication further inhibited coordination. Regarding alignment of interests, the study found that shared goals enhanced curriculum relevance, joint research, and internship success, though misalignment hindered deeper engagement. The study concluded that institutional limitations, passive industry involvement, and misaligned priorities weaken collaboration. The study therefore recommended there is a need of infrastructure improvement, proactive industry engagement, and structured alignment mechanisms through joint curriculum development, industry forums, and regulatory oversight. Government incentives could further stimulate sustained partnerships. The findings from the study will provide valuable data to policymakers, TVET administrators, and industry stakeholders on strategies to strengthen collaboration between TVET institutions and the industry for improved skills development and employability in Trans Nzoia County.

DETERMINANTS OF PRACTICAL SKILLS ACQUISITION IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTERS IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

DETERMINANTS OF PRACTICAL SKILLS ACQUISITION IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTERS IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA NGENO, SAMMY This study investigated the determinants of practical skill acquisition in Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in Narok County. The research was prompted by concerns over rising youth unemployment and the growing shortage of technical skills in Kenya. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), approximately 38.9% of young people are unemployed, partly due to limited access to vocational training. The lack of skilled labor in the construction, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors has slowed economic growth and low turnover. Additionally, inadequate vocational skills among the youth have contributed to financial dependency, unemployment, and increasing social challenges, including crime and substance abuse. The study assesses the availability and adequacy of training infrastructure—such as workshops, laboratories, and equipment—and their influence on enrollment. It also examines the impact of instructor qualifications and trainees’ perceptions of course relevance on participation in vocational programs. Additionally, financial barriers, particularly tuition costs, are analyzed to determine their effect on access to vocational education. This study was anchored in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, Fitts and Posner’s Skill Acquisition Model, and Becker’s Human Capital Theory. It employs a descriptive research design to examine the subject matter. Data was gathered from a sample comprising nine Center Managers, 54 Heads of Departments (HODs), and 312 trainees from public Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in Narok County. The research utilized questionnaires and interviews as data collection tools. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with findings presented through percentages and frequency distributions. Findings reveal that inadequate facilities (72.72%), a shortage of qualified trainers (70.10%), and financial constraints (88.33%) significantly hinder vocational training. To address these challenges, the study recommends increased government investment in infrastructure, recruitment of qualified trainers, and expansion of financial aid programs. Strengthening industry partnerships would further enhance course relevance and improve employment prospects for graduates.

EFFECT OF INCREASED ENROLMENT ON QUALITY OF TRAINING IN PUBLIC TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECT OF INCREASED ENROLMENT ON QUALITY OF TRAINING IN PUBLIC TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA CHERUIYOT, IRINE Worldwide, countries both developed and developing, experience challenge in provision of quality education. In Kenya, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment has risen sharply following government incentives, raising concerns about the quality of training. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of increased enrolment on the quality of training in selected public TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives to : a) determine the influence of increased trainees enrollment on collaboration between industries and TVET institutions on quality training; b) To evaluate the influence of teaching strategies being utilized amid increased enrolment on the quality of training in public TVET institutions c) determine how utilization of existing infrastructure under condition of increased enrolment affects quality of training in selected public TVET institutions and to evaluate the effect of trainers' performance, amid increased enrolment, on the quality of training in public TVET institutions. The human capital theory anchored the study. The research employed a mixed method design that was based on post-positivism paradigm. The study used a combination of sampling techniques including purposive and stratified sampling to select a study sample of 4 principals, 75 trainers and 1780 trainees for data collection. The study used interview guide for principals and questionnaire for trainers and trainees. Pilot study was conducted at The Kitale National Polytechnic to determine reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Test-retest technique was used to examine reliability. Data analysis for quantitative data was done by use of SPSS version 29 while for the qualitative data the researcher utilized thematic analysis. The researcher sought permission and followed the ethical considerations of research that is confidentiality, free from conflicts of interest, and fair to human subjects Response rates were 100% for principals,77.3% for trainers, and 82.6% for trainees. Findings indicated that a)62.1% of respondents acknowledged existing industry collaborations, though these were strained by increased enrolment and limited resources, b) 59.4% reported that large classes promoted teacher-centered methods, limiting hands- on skill acquisition)68.7% cited overcrowded workshops and laboratories as a major barrier to practical training. , d) 71.2% agreed that trainer workload increased reduced instructional quality and feedback timeliness d) Strategies such as class splitting (54.8%) and online learning (32.6%) were adopted but insufficient. The study concluded that increased enrolment has overstretched resources, weakened industry partnerships, overcrowded workshops and classrooms, and overburdened trainers, undermining training quality. It recommends strengthening industry linkages, increasing government capitation, expanding infrastructure, enhancing trainer capacity, and adopting sustainable delivery strategies to safeguard training quality amid rising enrolment.

INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ON DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SKILLS IN ENGINEERING TRAINING IN PUBLIC TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ON DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SKILLS IN ENGINEERING TRAINING IN PUBLIC TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY KOECH, ALBERT Dynamic trends in the engineering industry have continued to call for quality training to enhance the industrial skills of engineering graduates to meet the challenges of the 21st century industry. However, there is a growing skills gap which is a multi-faceted problem when highly skilled engineers are in short supply and high demand. This lauds the essence of public-private partnership in pooling resources, knowledge and experiences to build industrial skills amongst engineering trainees efficiently. Thus the study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine the influence of partnering in engineering internships on industrial skills development in engineering training, to examine the influence of partnering in infrastructure development on industrial skills development in engineering training, to analyse the influence of partnering in capacity building of trainers on industrial skills development in engineering training in technical vocational education and training institutions in Nairobi County. This study was guided by Cognitive Learning Theory which was proposed by Jean Piaget in 1930. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 334 HoDs, course tutors and electrical engineering trainers. The study used Slovin’s formula to calculate the sample size which is 182. The respondents were selected using a multistage sampling process. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire which was piloted for testing reliability and validity. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 package and presented using tables. From the findings, the coefficient of determination (R square) of 0.318 indicated that the model explained only 31.8% of the variation or change in industrial skills development in engineering training. Engineering internship (t =2.867, P<.05), infrastructure (t =3.779, P<.05) and Capacity building (t =5.459, P<.05). The study findings indicate that the engineering internship, infrastructure, and Capacity building significantly influence industrial skills development in engineering training in technical vocational education and training institutions in Nairobi County. Therefore, TVET institutions should consider strengthening engineering internship, infrastructure, and Capacity building using a policy framework to enhance their potential industrial skills development in engineering training. The findings of the study are of significance to TVET and the stakeholders in improving the industrial skills development engineering trainees in TVET through public-private partnerships.