By Munene Maina
The cash crunch that has forced the Government to introduce austerity measures has reduced by half the number of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) tutors to be hired.
The State Department of Vocational and Technical Training had budgeted to employ over 2,000 trainers during the current financial year.
Principal Secretary in charge of the department Dr. Kevit Desai said they will only hire 1,000 trainers despite acute shortage that is affecting most TVET institutions.
There are 4,000 trainers in the sector even as enrollment in technical institutions has gone up significantly.
In January all TVET institutions are expected to implement the new competency based education and training.
Dr. Desai called on TVET institutions to seek partnerships with industries and other relevant stakeholders to ensure trainees are well prepared for the job market.
“We are advocating concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure all technical training institutes are enabling our youth acquire the necessary skills in the course of their training,” he said.
The PS noted 10 per cent of citizens should have TVET skills for the country to achieve its development agenda.
TVET Director Meshack Opwora said 134 technical institutions have been fully equipped and are expected to be centres of excellence.
Opwora said new curriculums have also been developed and will be implemented early next year.
He noted Kenya is developing five regional centres of excellence in technical education.
