The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services, KUCCPS, recently released students’ placements. The 2023 KCSE candidates were placed in different universities and colleges according to their grades. According to the KUCCPS, 258,935 students are scheduled to join different programs. Seven hundred thirty-four will attend Diploma Secondary Technical Training Centers, while 9529 will join Primary Technical Training Centers. Sixty-three thousand nine hundred twenty-one students have been placed in Ministry of Education TVETs, 3963 in non-Ministry of Education TVETs. Public universities placed 134,743 students, while private universities placed 1558, and 19,653 were placed in KMTC. Traditionally, getting a university education was seen as the definition of academic excellence, not anymore. The story is changing, with many students choosing technical colleges over universities even after surpassing the cut-off points to join universities. The placement board raised a concern that close to 600k students didn’t apply for university opportunities despite having the needed grades. At the University Every year, thousands of our university students graduate. However, they live to tarmac looking for a job. Are the studies learned in the universities relevant to our society? Do they solve our country’s problems, or do they deter us from realizing our challenges and strategies for overcoming them? Unfortunately, one must look for a job after university studies, yet the cost of going through the system is exorbitantly high. The high number of unemployed degree students makes the market competitive. This makes these students continue to pursue higher education to earn master’s and PhD degrees, thus using more money. Undoubtedly, the high costs and skill-focused training in TVETs make technical training a preference for many. The Technical Training Institutes, TTIs, as they were known before, were seen as a place of learning for students who had failed their national exams. The perspective has changed after these students make it in life and greatly contribute to the country’s economic growth. In the job market, most degree holders, even master’s students, have gone back to pursue a diploma in their area of specialty. Employers are looking for candidates with hands-on skills, especially in technical roles. However, it should be noted that education qualifications have their place, especially in managerial roles. KUCCPS stand in ASK Machakos show From culinary schools with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment to mechanical or automotive garages with modern equipment, students learn skills that they continue to employ in their jobs. These skills also give these students the opportunity to be self-employed from the moment they leave class. This disposition usually makes them financially independent from a young age. The Cabinet Secretary for Education has encouraged students to consider technical learning. Speaking when TVETs were celebrating a century since their establishment in Kenya, Mr. Machogu informed the citizens that the ministry is ready to hold exhibitions and even competitions to inspire more students to enroll in these courses. The permanent secretary of the State Department for TVETs, Dr Esther Muoria, also emphasized the government’s intention to ensure students receive the needed learning in these colleges. She stated that the government has been ensuring that the colleges have skilled trainers and required equipment, not forgetting the in-demand and relevant skill learning. The country has indeed seen the benefits of these courses. Besides finding employment in the local job market, some students have found employment opportunities in foreign arenas. Some of the courses done in technical institutes include electrical technicians, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, medical training in nursing and medical assistance, and information technology studies in cyber security, network administration, and software development. Other courses are in agriculture, the environment, and natural resources management. Culinary students Think about a person who has specialized in tile placement or modern ceiling installation. They will acquire these skills in class, continue to improve on their craft while working, and become experts in it. While we cannot dismiss university education, we also cannot underestimate the value TVET training offers by offering practical, in-demand skills. Technical graduates start their careers with a competitive job advantage, and as they advance, they are able to command higher salaries.