Reforming education and training? Lessons from the development of VET in Kenya

Reforms in education and training are the order of the day in the spirit of maintaining relevance in this changing world. This paper looks at the development of vocational education and training (VET) in Kenya at three levels: the past, the present and the future directions. A brief historical discussion forms a basis for understanding the trends in Kenya's VET. A discussion of the current state of affairs highlights the main issues that are at play in Kenya's VET sector. From the issues that are foregrounded in the past and the present, the forces that have continued to shape the VET system are highlighted with a view to drawing lessons for the rest of the world. Some of the forces that are discussed in this paper cover the political will and policy matters in VET, the broad aims of education and training, and the need for clarity and inclusion of all the stakeholders in all the stages of educational reforms. Lessons are drawn for Kenya and the rest of the world based on the trends and issues divulged.