Fredrick Odiero
Kisumu County Governor professor Anyang’ Nyong’o has promised to push for the elevation of Kisumu National Polytechnic to a technical university.
Prof Nyong’o said upgrading the institution to a higher was long overdue.
Nyong’o said time had come for the institution to be turned into a technical university as opposed to a normal university as has been the case with others.
He gave the example of the technical university which initially used to be called the Kenya Polytechnic.
Once upgraded, the governor said, the Kisumu National Polytechnic will offer additional compared to the ones currently offered.
“I am opposed to the idea of national polytechnics being turned into universities as this kills existing courses” he said.
He said that practice has spelled doom to the development and expansion of technical training and education in the country.
Nyong’o said there must be a radical policy shift towards the development and retention of TVETS in the country.
Nyong’o lauded the Chief Principal of the Kisumu national polytechnic Catherine Kelonye for the transformation she has made at the institution.
Prof Nyong’o said Kelonye has turned the institution around in terms of infrastructure and curriculum coupled with staff development for the short time she has been there.
The governor made the remarks while speaking at the Tom Mboya labour college in Kisumu where he addressed over 500 youths drawn from different sectors within the county.
Nyong’o said a number of youths have benefited from scholarships and bursary allocations for the last five years.
The governor said they will push for more funds in the next financial year in order for more youths to benefit.
Nyong’o disclosed that they have established a business incubation center where youths can nurture their talent and engage in self-employment through digital platforms.
He said some are being sponsored at the marine training school.
