By Lydia Ngoolo
Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha has criticized Technical and Vocational Training Institutes in the country for failing to make use of the skills they teach to benefit the society.
Speaking at Wote Technical Training Institute while assessing their level of preparedness ahead of reopening, Magoha said they are still monitoring the Covid-19 curve for a period of three weeks and if it drops to 5% they will consider reopening learning institutions.
Prof Magoha, however, insisted that reopening of schools solely lies on President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“There is no way you can teach students how to make pavement blocks and you do not have one in your school,” riled Magoha.
The disappointed CS noted that instead of using youths to avoid expenditure, leaders are avoiding that so as to create room probably for misuse of funds.
“Why would you use the youths to cut grass when many of them are qualified in different fields, why can’t you use their skills to familiarize with some jobs,” wondered Magoha.
However, he observed that the country’s institutions are in pathetic state yet the skilled ‘Kazi Mtaani’ youths are being used to clear grasses along the roads. He therefore directed the use of skills learnt in schools to meet the Covid-19 protocols for instance making of the desks.
He pointed out that most learning institutions he has visited are in wanting conditions whereas some are ready to resume learning.
He however, called upon County Governments to assist in implementation of the requirements ahead of reopening citing the fight against the Covid-19 requires a joint effort.
The CS further cautioned that the money set aside for reopening preparation is poisonous and those having plans to misuse should desist.
In May 2020 the government set aside Sh 6.5 billion to support education sector. The money is set to meet the cost for additional desks to public secondary schools. The CS however, warned those with tenders against inflating prices.
