DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYABILITY AMONG TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) GRADUATES IN WEST POKOT COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of Study: The study analyzes the determinants of the employability of TVET graduates in West Pokot County, Kenya. Specific objectives included examining the effects of socio-economic status, vocational training skills, program attributes, and post-training support on employability outcomes.
Problem Statement: Youth unemployment continues to pose a significant development challenge in Kenya, despite significant investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Methodology: The research employed a descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods design. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used methodologically.
Result: Vocational training skills had a significant impact on youth employability, with a moderate positive effect on program characteristics, and a moderate negative effect on post-training support. Furthermore, most graduates found that there wasn't enough connection within the institutions, post-training support systems, mentorship, or industry exposure. The study also revealed that, while graduates in general were satisfied with the technical skills they developed, employment outcomes were hampered by a lack of training materials, outdated equipment, and poor linkages with the labor market.
Recommendation: Industry cooperation should be strengthened and that the post-training support mechanism should be institutionalized, including mentorship, career guidance, and enterprise financing.
Keywords: TVET, youth employability, vocational training, post-training support, Kenya, West Pokot.
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