- MPs have urged TVET institutions to step up recruitment campaigns amid declining student enrolment linked to delayed government capitation and financial hardships.
- They encouraged principals to intensify outreach and partner with legislators to secure NG‑CDF bursaries and scholarships, ensuring needy learners are not excluded from technical and vocational training.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have been encouraged to step up student recruitment efforts amid concerns over declining enrolment, which lawmakers attributed to delayed government capitation and the financial difficulties facing many learners.
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education (PIC-G&E) issued the call on Thursday, July 16, during a meeting with the management of Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Bunyala Technical and Vocational College, Mukurweini Technical and Vocational College, Ndia Technical and Vocational College, and Kipipiri Technical and Vocational College as it reviewed Auditor-General’s reports covering the 2018/19 to 2024/25 financial years.
Committee Chairperson and Luanda MP Dick Maungu said the Committee had recently engaged Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on the challenges facing TVET institutions, citing delayed capitation disbursements and falling student enrolment among the key issues discussed.
“We recently met the Cabinet Secretary for Education and raised concerns affecting TVET institutions, including delayed capitation and declining enrolment. While the government addresses these challenges, principals must also step up public awareness campaigns to attract more students to their institutions,” Maungu said.
He emphasised that TVET institutions play a critical role in producing the skilled workforce needed to support Kenya’s industrialisation and economic transformation, adding that technical and vocational training provides a viable career pathway for students who do not secure university admission.
The Committee also praised Sigalagala National Polytechnic for its remarkable growth and sound financial management, describing it as a benchmark for public TVET institutions.
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Maungu commended Chief Principal Evans Bosire for steering the institution’s growth, with student enrolment increasing from about 5,000 to more than 17,000 during his tenure. He further lauded the polytechnic for undertaking internally funded development projects valued at over KSh200 million, saying the milestone reflects prudent stewardship of public resources.
“This is a clear demonstration that when public resources are managed prudently, institutions can expand, improve infrastructure and deliver quality training without compromising accountability,” said Maungu.
Committee members also urged TVET principals to intensify public awareness campaigns to increase enrolment.
Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia called on principals to work closely with Members of Parliament to ensure more needy students benefit from National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries and scholarships.
“Many young people are missing opportunities simply because they are unaware of the courses available in our TVET institutions. Principals must take the training to the people through sustained outreach and career awareness campaigns,” said Nzambia.
He said stronger collaboration would help ensure deserving learners are not denied access to training due to financial constraints.
“Work hand in hand with your Members of Parliament. Through NG-CDF bursaries and scholarships, we can ensure that no deserving student is locked out of technical and vocational training because of financial constraints,” said the MP.
By Frank Mugwe
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