Big seat open: TVETA starts hunt for new Director General

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has announced a vacancy for the position of Director General and Chief Executive Officer.

The Authority, a State Corporation established under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act CAP 210A, is mandated to regulate and coordinate training in the country through licensing, registration and accreditation of programmes, institutions and trainers.

In the notice, TVETA says the Director General will serve as the chief executive officer of the Authority and will operate under the direction of the Board while managing the day-to-day operations of the institution.

The successful candidate will be appointed on a five-year contract, renewable for a further term of five years upon recommendation by the Board.

According to the announcement, the Director General will be responsible for ensuring smooth operations and delivery of the Authority’s mandate. Among the key duties is “Ensuring that the Authority delivers on its mandate as stipulated in the TVET Act CAP 210A.”

The CEO will also serve as the link between the Board and management. The role includes “providing regular communication to the Board on all key technical, financial, strategic, administrative and other matters of the Authority.”

TVETA further states that the Director General will be expected to develop strategic plans and budgets for approval by the Board. This includes “Develop and recommend to the Board, the Authority strategic plans, work plans and annual operating budgets.”

The position also carries responsibility for financial oversight and governance systems. The job description notes the holder will “Ensure the development and implementation of effective financial management policies” and “Ensure the preparation of the annual budget and establishment of proper internal controls.”

The Director General will also act as an ex officio member and secretary to the Board. In addition, the CEO will “Execute and communicate the Board’s strategies, decisions and policies” and act as the official spokesperson of the Authority.

Other responsibilities include fostering ethical leadership, promoting good corporate governance, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and maintaining a conducive working environment for staff.

Applicants must meet strict academic and professional qualifications. TVETA requires candidates to have served in a senior management position for at least three years. They must also possess at least fifteen years of experience in either public or private institutions, with five years at senior management level.

Academic requirements include a bachelor’s degree in education in a TVET-related field or an equivalent qualification in areas such as engineering, information technology, business, agriculture, communication, hospitality, or related disciplines. A postgraduate diploma in education or technical education is also required where applicable.

A master’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory, while a doctorate degree will be considered an added advantage. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate expertise in technical and vocational education.

Other requirements include a leadership course of not less than four weeks, membership to a relevant professional body where applicable, and compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication skills, resource mobilisation ability, and high emotional intelligence.

Interested candidates are required to submit a detailed application letter, certified academic and professional certificates, testimonials, a copy of their national identity card and an updated curriculum vitae.

Applications may be submitted in hard or soft copy and must be clearly marked “Application for the position of Director General/CEO”.

All applications must reach the Office of the Chairperson, Board of Directors, TVETA, Utalii House, 8th Floor, Wing A, Office of the Chairperson, P.O. Box 35625-00100 Nairobi, or via email at [email protected].

The deadline for submission is Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EAT.

TVETA has emphasised that it is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities and minority groups.

Successful candidates will be required to present valid clearance certificates including tax compliance from KRA, HELB clearance, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission self-declaration, DCI police clearance and Credit Reference Bureau clearance.