By Andrew Kariuki

The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Esther Muoria has directed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to abandon traditional academic gowns during graduation ceremonies, marking a shift aimed at redefining the identity of technical education in Kenya.

Speaking during the 6th graduation ceremony at Nyeri National Polytechnic on April 17, Muoria said graduates will instead be required to wear professional attire aligned with their areas of training.

“Gowns are academic, and we are technical,” she stated, adding that the change will take effect from the next graduation cycle.

Under the new directive, mechanics will graduate in overalls, chefs in culinary uniforms, while trainees in other fields will wear attire reflecting their respective professions.

Muoria said the move is intended to make graduates immediately identifiable by their skills and specialisations, addressing concerns that the traditional gown system masked the practical nature of TVET training.

“Starting with the next graduation, we are not going to graduate our students in gowns. For those graduating now, you are forgiven; this is the last time,” she said.

Beyond the change in dress code, the Principal Secretary outlined broader reforms within the TVET sector, including plans to modernise infrastructure, upgrade training equipment and recruit 1,000 additional trainers this year.

The expansion is aimed at supporting a rapidly growing student population, which has increased from 350,000 in 2022 to 850,000 currently.

Muoria also noted that the government is working on introducing a standard national uniform for TVET institutions as part of efforts to improve consistency and strengthen the sector’s identity.

The reforms are part of a wider push to align technical training with industry needs and enhance the visibility of vocational skills in the job market.