Member states in the East African Community (EAC) are set to have one curriculum that will also include Ethiopia.
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Experts from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authorities from three EAC countries met on Monday, September 28, and kicked off the process of harmonising a curriculum for the region.
Education PS Margaret Mwakima added that the harmonised qualifications would lay a strong foundation for the development of harmonized Occupational Standards and Competence Certification Systems.
"This framework will reduce incidents of time spent by trainees to re-learn in order to reach outcomes expected in another context," she stated.
Spearheaded by Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania, the harmonisation under the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) will be funded by the World Bank.
The process aims at improving the quality of TVET programmes among member states as well as promoting regional integration.
In addition, the PS for the State Department for Vocational and Technical Training revealed that it would also avail independence in decision making.
The harmonization has the potential of addressing the competency gaps and shortages to support economic development.
Mwakima stated that a Regional TVET Qualification Framework was an investment that would see increased access and progression as well as a base for mutual trust.
Inter-University Council for East Africa Executive Secretary Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona noted that the move was part of component three of the project which focuses on enhancing regional collaboration in TVET.
This includes harmonisation of standards and mutual recognition of qualifications in EASTRIP.
Areas prioritized under the programme include manufacturing, Agro-processing, energy, transport and infrastructure, and Information, Communication and Technology.
Banyankimbona disclosed that institutions participating in the programme will enjoy a lot of benefits.
