On behalf of the Editorial Board, I take this opportunity to welcome all our revered readership to this 9th edition of the Africa Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (AfriTVET). In the same vein, I wish to acknowledge all contributors whose scholarly work met the approval of our professional team of reviewers after a rigorous review process. Many thanks also go to the editorial board for their tireless commitment in delivering this Edition. We also recognize the continued support extended by the Management and Board of Governors of Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI), which is a Centre of Excellence for TVET in the region. This edition, therefore brings us more insights, perceptions and findings, from the well-researched articles on selected thematic areas from; Science, Technology and Innovation in TVET for Sustainable Economic Development. In the current edition, we have very insightful papers from research work focusing on the influence of technology in value creation and poverty alleviation amongst rural enterprises, role of online training, equity and social inclusion in higher education and latest developments in renewable energy sources in Kenya. In a paper by Kipkoech & Kerre, the authors have assessed the Trainers’ competence in implementing online teaching and learning in TVET, which is affected by the ever-changing technological environment and digitization of education. The study revealed that trainers had difficulty using the e-Learning platform provided, due to the inadequate training that they had received and the complex system used. The trainers preferred other platforms which were user- friendly for e-Learning. Huho et al. addressed the importance of reinforcing university entrepreneurship education for poverty alleviation. This study examined the apiculture knowledge in Kajiado County, Kenya, for ecological sustainability, food security, and economic empowerment. The study recommends that traditional beekeepers be supported through the provision of relevant knowledge of beekeeping and modern equipment in order to increase both the quantity and quality of honey production for enhanced food security, economic empowerment and ecological sustainability. Another paper in this edition by Kevin Otieno addresses the factors affecting learners enrollment into STEM programs in TVET institutions within Kisumu County. The study found out that socioeconomic factors; parents’ level of education and personal factors (self-motivation, confidence and attainment of social and academic satisfaction) are the key factors influencing the trainees’ enrollment into STEM programmes in TVET institutions within the County. The study recommended that trainees, both male and females, should be given equal opportunities to pursue their careers in STEM. The contributions in this 9 th edition of AfriTVET journal have addressed contemporary research issues, innovations and entrepreneurships in the TVET space and shall be very enlightening to the readers. The proposed recommendations by the esteemed authors will assist in shaping policy decisions in government and other public institutions.
Dr. Samuel G. Waweru, PhD, FIET(K) Editor-in-Chief