Abstract:
The main a
im of the paper was to assess
how effect of soft skills on self
-
employment among
Technical and Vocational Education and Training technician graduates
in Kenya.
The specific soft skills investigated in this study were practice time management,
solve problem
s, work independently, interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision
making skill, creativity/innovations and adaptability on self
-
employment among TVET
graduates. This study was based on pragmatic research paradigm using embedded research
design. T
he study targeted 527 technician graduate from TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu
county Kenya. Simple random was used to select 320 sample size. Quantitative data analysis
was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The interview trans
cripts were
analysed using thematic analysis. Multiple Regression analysis was done to test hypothesis.
Findings showed that TVET institutions did not inculcate soft skills content required for
survival in self
-
employment. The generic skills tested were r
anked from highly perceived as
good to the least good: time management, ability to solve problems, ability to work
autonomously, interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision making, creativity and
innovative skills, and adaptability. However, despi
te time management being ranked the
highest it had no effect on self
-
employment. Regression results revealed that ability to solve
problems, ability to work independently, interpersonal skills, adaptability and creativity and
innovations have a positive an
d significant effect on self
-
employment.
