Kenya School of TVET Shines at the Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF11) in Botswana

The 11th Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF11) officially opened in Gaborone, Botswana, on 10th September 2025, under the theme: “Innovative Open Education: Fostering Resilient Societies for Sustainable Economic Development.”

The event was graced by H.E. President Duma Gideon Boko, who highlighted the importance of creativity, innovation, and knowledge generation in building a knowledge-based economy. He emphasized that resilience and sustainability depend on the ability of nations to nurture innovation and embrace creativity. Botswana now joins South Africa and Nigeria as the third African country to host this prestigious global forum. Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Prince Maele, Minister of Higher Education, reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and developing a skilled, knowledgeable workforce to meet the continent’s evolving economic needs.

The Kenya School of TVET (KSTVET) proudly participated in PCF11 with a strong delegation of scholars presenting groundbreaking research and innovations that reflect Kenya’s leadership in advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Our team presented 10 academic papers covering diverse areas such as inclusive learning, digital transformation, open educational resources (OER), and artificial intelligence in TVET. Highlights included: 

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning for Visually Impaired Trainees – Milcah Makato 

Inclusive Digital Transformation with Articulate 360 – Ananda & Nancy Engoke 

Technology Enabled Teaching Practice Assessment (TETPA) – Mulla N., Wambua F., Tarno E., & Okinda R. 

AI for Kenya Sign Language Translation in TVET Training – Richard Yahuma 

Digital Transformation of TVET in Kenya: Challenges & Strategic Recommendations – Richard Yahuma, Edwin Tamo & Joyline Chepkirui 

Quality Standards in OER for TVET – William Asiedu, Moya-Gaye Hamilton, Richard Yahuma & Robert Okinda 

AI-Driven Capacity Building in OER Development – Richard Yahuma Amuok & collaborators 

Feasibility of AI in OER Development – Adekunle Isiaka Obasa & collaborators 

Perceptions of AI Use in OER across Pan-Commonwealth Countries – Moya- Gaye Hamilton & collaborators

Barriers to Accreditation of Online Learning in Kenyan TVETs – Joseph Orina Makori & Dr. Edwin Tarno

These contributions affirm KSTVET’s role as a thought leader in integrating technology, inclusivity, and innovation in vocational training. Robert Okinda, Skills Adviser at the Commonwealth of Learning (3rd from left), pictured alongside the Kenya School of TVET presenters.

The Kenya School of TVET extends its heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors — ILO, ILO Kenya, ITCILO Kenya, KENET, the Ministry of Education (Kenya), the State Department for TVET (Kenya), and CICAN — for their generous support in making our participation at PCF11 possible. Through their partnership, KSTVET was able to share Kenya’s innovations with the global community, foster new collaborations, and continue shaping the future of TVET in Africa and beyond