By Peter Otuoro
State Department for Vocational and Technical Training Principal Secretary Dr. Margaret Mwakima has urged all Members of the country’s County Assemblies to allocate more funds towards Technical and Vocational institutions in their respective counties in order to fast-track their development.
Speaking at Nyandarua National Poytechnic during a graduation ceremony, Dr. Mwakima said it is among the core duties of the MCAs to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to enable their youth gain knowledge and relevant skills.
Dr. Mwakima noted that TVETs have recorded commendable development as they have increased from 52 institutions to 238 currently; while enrolments have increased from 55,945 students in 2013 to 249,316 in 2022.
“The increase in the TVET institutions since initiation of the Devolved Government is a clear indication that county governments through their legislative arm of the County Assembly should allocate more funds to the institutions to cope with the high enrolment of,” she said.
The PS said that TVETs have proven that they can be a vehicle for food security through mechanization of agricultural tools which are key to increasing farm output like maize, millet and wheat which are essential foods in the country.
Dr. Mwakima mentioned Building and Construction Engineering, ICT, Agricultural Science and Hospitality as some of the courses which have brought out the excellence of TVET students whom she said were very disciplined.
