As schools are set to reopen for the third term, the government has been urged to release capitation funds to facilitate the smooth learning and operation of institutions across the country.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro says that the government should avoid throwing schools into a financial crisis by delaying the release of funds, as the monies are critical, given that learning is set to resume in a week.
The former Parliamentary Budget Committee Chairman stated that the early release of capitation funding is imperative for the quality of education in the country, adding that the Ministry of Education should expedite the process.
“As schools reopen, we are demanding that all capitation arrears be sent to schools for smooth learning and running of institutions and for quality education,” Nyoro said.
Speaking during the 5th graduation ceremony of Gorgeous Technical Institute (GTI) in Thika town on Friday, Nyoro censured Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for his recent remarks on lowering the capitation funds per student annually from Sh 22,000 to Sh 16,000.
He maintained that the amount was based on empirical calculations and that Kenya should not be discussing a reduction of the figure, adding that the amount should even be increased to cater for other financial hurdles the institution faces.
The lawmaker also called on the National Treasury and the Education Ministry to ensure that free basic education is sustained, noting that it is a right for all Kenyan children, not a privilege.
Meanwhile, Nyoro challenged the government through the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as the Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority (TVETA), to develop a plan to sponsor students in private TVETs across the country.
He argued that upon graduation, students from private institutions become part of the country’s labour force and contribute effectively towards nation-building, and hence should be considered by the government.
“It is high time for the Ministry of Higher Education to start giving sponsorship to private students in TVETs because they become part of the country’s Labour force after graduation. Therefore, the sponsorship that’s given to public colleges, even private colleges, should be accorded the same support,” he said.
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His sentiments were echoed by Jackline Waithera, GTI Founder and Director, who said that most students who miss out on public institutions’ slots end up joining private TVETs, adding that they have a right to be granted sponsorships by the state.
Waithera, at the same time, underscores the importance of technical skills in the wake of joblessness, which has primarily affected youths in the country. She noted that acquiring the world and technical skills gives the youths a competitive edge in the job market as well as equipping them to initiate their income-generating ventures.
Waithera called on youth across the country to pursue highly marketable world skills, including fashion and design, electrical installation, welding, plumbing, hospitality, hairdressing, beauty, and entrepreneurship, among others, to enable them to meet the high demand for specialists in the country.
She noted with concern that the country is facing a shortage of skilled manpower to drive the economy, adding that this presents a valuable opportunity for unemployed youths in the country to acquire the vital skills and secure employment.
“The goal is to achieve better socio-economic conditions for today’s youth as a means of addressing the challenges of unemployment and underemployment.
Technical skills and/or courses are highly marketable as one can immediately secure a job upon completion and or start their income-generating enterprises,” the Director said.
She hailed the government for creating opportunities for skilled youths in the country through various programmes, including the affordable housing programme, as well as creating Funds where youths can access seed capital to start their enterprises.
“It’s imperative for youths to be equipped with hands-on skills that will go a long way in enabling them to secure jobs or start their ventures. White-collar jobs are being drastically reduced and replaced by technological advancements. To beat joblessness, we must equip our youths with technical skills,” she said.
Graduates led by Monica Mwangi and Rachel Mungai reiterated that, armed with vital skills and knowledge, they are ready to join the labour market and earn a decent living.
They rallied their peers to consider undertaking vocational courses, including short-term courses, to increase their employability.
More than 200 graduated with certificates and diplomas in various fields, including Fashion and Design, Hospitality, Masonry, Plumbing, Tailoring, Hair Dressing, Baking Technology, among others.
By John Kamau
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