The National Assembly Committee on Education has applauded the significant rise in enrollment across Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, calling it a promising step toward achieving the government's target of equipping one million youth annually with technical skills by 2030.
During an inspection visit to Mawego National Polytechnic in Homabay County, Committee Chairperson Hon. Julius Melly highlighted the institution’s remarkable growth, with enrollment soaring from 3,000 to over 8,000 students.
“This growth shows the confidence the community has in this institution. We must continue to support this momentum,” said Hon. Melly.
At Kisii National Polytechnic, Chief Principal Mr. John Akola reported an enrollment of 12,768 students and affirmed ongoing efforts to reach the Ministry of Education’s target of 20,000 trainees per national polytechnic. Similar trends were noted in other institutions: Sigalagala National Polytechnic (15,851), Kitale (12,248), Ollessos (11,269), and Kaimosi Friends (6,257).
Lawmakers were particularly encouraged by the increasing number of female students embracing technical education, narrowing the long-standing gender gap in the TVET sector.
Hon. Christine Ombaka urged institutions to extend their impact into surrounding communities through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs, which certify skilled individuals lacking formal credentials.
“Why don’t you engage and reach out to locals who have the skills but not the certificates? RPL gives them a second chance,” she said.
At Mawego, Principal Dr. John Abuto detailed the institution’s involvement in national development projects, including the Affordable Housing Programme, and emphasized its commitment to sustainability through tree planting and practical training.
However, challenges persist. Dr. Abuto raised concerns over the high cost of assessments under the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC), which institutions must administer independently.
Meanwhile, a section of the Committee led by Vice Chair Hon. Eve Obara visited Tseikuru National Polytechnic in Kitui County and North Eastern National Polytechnic in Garissa County. Legislators expressed concern over the lack of essential infrastructure and equipment in some institutions—core components needed for effective training.
A shocking revelation emerged at Tseikuru National Polytechnic, which has never held a graduation ceremony in its 10 years of operation.
The Committee resolved to summon Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba to address the systemic neglect of national polytechnics and provide answers regarding inadequate facilities and resource allocation.
As Kenya pushes forward with its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030 goals, lawmakers underscored the importance of fully equipping TVET institutions to meet the growing demand for skill-based education and inclusive development.
Let me know if you'd like a version in Swahili,
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.