Government pumps Ksh. 10.6 billion in improving TVET sector

The government has pumped Ksh. 10.6 billion in improving Technical and educational education training ( TVET), Principal Secretary, State Department for Vocational and Training, Dr Margaret Mwakima has said.

The PS noted the Department has embraced reforms to enhance relevance, transition, equity and quality for TVET, adding the government has invested in infrastructure, equipment and training of Tutors to foster education in TVET institutions.

 She said the government has invested in infrastructure, equipment and training tutors to improve access, relevance, quality and equity of Technical, Vocational, Educational Training ( TVET) programs.

“ Committees have been formed to oversee Curriculum Development, Assessment and Placement of Trainees, training of personnel, Enhancement of Innovations and Establishment of a Trainer management and Development Unit” Mwakima said.

The PS, flanked by Kisii national polytechnic Principal, David Mwangi and Kenya bureau of Standards ( KBS0 officer, Bilhar Nderitu was speaking at the Institution on Wednesday during the fourth graduation in which 2,750 students who undertook Diploma, Certificate and Artisans courses graduated.

The PS noted the government has equipped TVET institutions with modern equipment and challenged Kenyans with negative attitudes towards the institutions as meant for failures to shun it and support them.

“ We have branded and embraced skills competitions, fair competitions and set up institutes for performing, sciences and sports academies to change the mindset of the general public” Mwakima explained.      

She said the government has introduced competitions in robotics, manufacturing of products, music drama, games, sports and cultural festivals in TVET institutions as part of the reforms in the sector.

The PS noted enrolment in TVET institutions has increased from 55,000 to 288,000 learners and the government has set up TVET Centres of Excellence at Kenya Coast National polytechnic, Kisumu and Meru and Eastrip  project. 

Mwakima said the government has partnered with MasterCard Foundation and developed National TVET Blue Print and Workforce at a cost of Ksh. 4.16 billion, adding it will help impact TVET skills on social economic development and identify required skills to enhance youth employment.

The PS urged graduates to utilize their skills to set up businesses to create for themselves and others to boost their lives.

“Work with the right attitudes and dedication. Give your best. Be entrepreneurs and create jobs for yourselves and others to boost the country’s social and economic development.

Mwangi said the Polytechnic has embraced Competency Based education and Training ( CBCT) and the first set of trainees were examined in March this year, adding the Institution has invested in modernizing and learning facilities.

“ As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee, we take pride in ISO 9001:2015 certification. It proves the Institution upholds international standards in the delivery of service” Mwangi explained.

He said the Institution has set up a driving school, bought vehicles and is waiting to be authorized by the national transport and safety Authority ( NTSA) to start training to generate income to sustain the polytechnic.