INFLUENCE OF TVET INSTITUTIONS’ CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMS IN ENHANCING INDUSTRIAL READINESS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The challenges facing Kenya in adequately preparing its workforce for opportunities in renewable energy are significant. Skill gaps persist due to the lack of standardized and comprehensive capacity-building programs within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. These programs often lack coherence, relevance to industry needs, and access to quality training facilities and resources, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, there is a disconnect between educational institutions and industry stakeholders, leading to mismatches between graduates' skills and employers' demands. The rapid pace of technological innovation in the solar PV sector adds to the challenge of keeping training programs up-to-date. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the influence of TVET institutions’ capacity building programs in photovoltaic solar energy industry readiness. The objectives of the study were to determine the influence of Industry partnerships and internship programs on solar (photovoltaic) energy , to assess the influence of research and innovation initiatives on industry readiness, to examine the influence of soft skills development on solar photovoltaic industry readiness and to establish the influence of technopreneurship incubation programs on industry readiness. The study was conducted in TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu County. The study was anchored on the Human Capital Theory proposed by Gary Becker in 1964. The target population for the study comprised of 6 heads of institutions, 20 trainers and 295 trainees. Using Yamane sample size formulae, a sample of 178 respondents consisting of 6 principals, 11 trainers and 161 trainees were selected to participate in the study. The study findings revealed that capacity-building programs in TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu county had a positive influence on solar photovoltaic industry readiness among graduates meaning that the effective implementation of capacity building programs in TVET institutions lead to student readiness for renewable energy industry. The study recommended that institutions should strengthen their partnerships with industry stakeholders and expand internship programs to provide trainees with practical exposure and hands-on experience in the solar photovoltaic industry. Additionally, institutions should prioritize the integration of research and innovation initiatives into their curriculum to enhance technical knowledge and foster creativity among trainees. Institutions should also embed modules or workshops focusing on various soft skills into their training programs and provide opportunities for practical application within the industry. Furthermore, expanding technopreneurship incubation programs to nurture entrepreneurial skills among trainees was recommended, with emphasis on offering resources, mentorship, and support for business development while facilitating networking opportunities in the solar photovoltaic industry