By Education News Team
The Government is set to provide Sh30,000 as capitation grants for every student enrolling in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges across the country from September this year.
The Government has capped fees at Sh26,420 annually. HELB will also award varied loans and bursaries to applicants to be forwarded directly to the training institution.Fees will be sent to the beneficiary student bank account for up keep.
“The Government is looking at various measures to improve both quality and quantity of graduate coming out of these institutions,” said Principal Secretary for Vocational Training Dr Kevit Desai, at Sot TTI in Bomet County.
Speaking at Tande Secondary School, Kakamega County, Deputy President William Ruto also revealed that the Government has amended education policies to introduce bursaries and loans for TVET students.
“We want as many young people as possible to get an opportunity to train in different fields of technology. This is why the Government is providing bursaries and education loans for all TVET students in the country,” Ruto said
The Deputy President noted more TVET institutions will be built at Navakholo, Mumias East, Mumias West, Lugari and Likuyani constituencies in the county.
He said beginning September this year no student will fail to continue with their in technical education as the Government has allocated enough money for bursaries and loans.
“We do not want to have any form four leavers languishing in the villages without training and yet the government is doing its best to provide technical education and training free of charge,” Ruto said.
He reiterated that the Government is committed to the Big Four Agenda which requires artisans, technicians, electricians and plumbers who will get training in TVET institutions.
Dr. Desai said TVET institutions were focusing in promoting and ensuring that the youths can be self-employed or gainfully employed once they join the labour markets and the economy.
He said the youth are encouraged to join or partner with SMES and Jua-kali sector to boost their entrepreneurship skills.
“As Government we encourage that you take advantage of the youth funds to acquire loans to start business. We are also encouraging that TVET institution to start production units, partnerships between private and public sector. Look at possible collaboration and linkages,” he said.
The PS noted that technical institutions could sign memorandum of understanding to partner with County Government in terms of training of their workforce to build capacities.
“CDF can, in addition, provide the training of the venerable youth group. These measures can build your budgetary allocations and enhance provisions or bridge the Government contribution both in development and operation grants,” said the PS.
Dr. Desai said trainers at TTIs were moved from Teachers Service Commission to Public Service Commission beginning 1st July 2018.
Speaking separately during a graduation ceremony at Chepkorio Vocational Training centre in Elgeyo Marakwet, Technical and Vocational Training Deputy Director Irene Kamau said the state has allocated Sh2.5 billion to support TVET institutions this financial year.
She encouraged young people to enroll in TVET colleges to benefit from the state’s investment in practical skills.
Kamau noted the country lacked adequate technical skills to drive the Government’s development agenda. She observed they were many ongoing projects that required people with practical skills in the country.
She lauded county Government of Elgeyo Marakwet for setting aside Sh27 million bursary which has supported technical institutes’ students greatly.
