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The Vihiga County Government is set to sign a MoU with Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic to strengthen vocational education and training across all VTCs in the county.
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According to Governor Dr. Wilberforce Ottichilo, the proposed MoU will provide a sustainable framework for joint training programmes, staff development and collaborative initiatives that will benefit both trainers and learners.
The County Government of Vihiga is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (KFNP) to strengthen vocational education and training across all Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the county.
The planned partnership was announced as 172 VTC instructors underwent a five-day capacity-building programme on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), conducted jointly by KFNP and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).
Speaking during a visit to the training at the Polytechnic on Thursday July 2, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilberforce Ottichilo reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening TVET institutions through strategic partnerships, enhanced trainer capacity, and improved learning infrastructure.
The governor, who was accompanied by Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic Chief Principal Dr. Okumu J.W. Odhiambo, county officials and TVETA representatives, said the proposed MoU will provide a sustainable framework for joint training programmes, staff development and collaborative initiatives that will benefit both trainers and learners.
He noted that the collaboration aims to improve the quality of vocational education by ensuring VTCs are well-equipped to produce graduates with industry-relevant skills.
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Among the key proposals discussed was the modernization of VTCs through the acquisition of industry-standard equipment and well-equipped workshops to provide trainees with practical, hands-on experience aligned to current labour market demands.
The meeting also underscored the need to motivate and retain qualified trainers through structured career progression, improved schemes of service, continuous professional development and competitive remuneration.
Participants further encouraged vocational institutions to establish income-generating production units to enhance financial sustainability. Proposed initiatives include the production of institutional uniforms, mechanical repair services and other commercial ventures that would provide practical learning opportunities while generating additional revenue.
The forum also emphasised the importance of forging strategic partnerships between training institutions and industry through Memoranda of Understanding to expand industrial attachments, strengthen collaboration and improve graduate employability.
Meanwhile, Vihiga County VET officers and trainers completed an intensive five-day CBET training programme that began on June 29 and concluded on Friday at the Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic Multipurpose Hall.
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The instructors received practical training on the development and management of Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in both hard-copy and electronic formats, competency-based assessment requirements, preparation of Tables of Specifications (ToS), assessment tool development and formative assessment guidelines.
They were also taken through the implementation of modularized curricula, including the preparation of training schedules, learning plans, session plans and mentoring tools. In addition, participants were trained on the Occupational Standard Development Process, including occupational analysis using Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) charts and other competency-based training methodologies.
The county government says the planned partnership with KFNP is expected to enhance the quality, relevance and sustainability of vocational training in Vihiga, ultimately producing a more skilled workforce to meet industry needs.
By Roy Hezron
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