Bungoma North Technical and Vocational College is grappling with power interruptions, unreliable internet connectivity and a shortage of trainers, raising concerns about the smooth delivery of digital and technical training at the institution.
The challenges emerged during a multi-agency inspection led by the State Department for National Government Coordination, which visited the college in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County, to assess the state of its learning facilities and ongoing infrastructure projects.
The delegation, led by Legal Advisor Dan Ameyo, engaged students at the institution's Jitume digital laboratory, where learners highlighted the difficulties affecting their access to digital learning and other training opportunities.
The students cited frequent power outages, weak internet connectivity and inadequate learning materials, alongside a shortage of trainers needed to support the growing demand for digital skills.
The laboratory currently has three trainers, against an additional requirement of five, a gap that could affect effective learning and the utilisation of the facility.
In response, College Principal Lilian Simali said the institution's Board had approved the adoption of solar energy to ensure uninterrupted operations whenever the main electricity supply fails.
The ICT Authority (ICTA) also acknowledged the connectivity concerns and pledged to follow up on the matter to facilitate internet access at the institution.
The inspection team subsequently toured the ongoing construction of the 340-bed Student Village, a KSh161 million project being undertaken by Odile Limited.
The accommodation facility, which is expected to ease the shortage of student housing, is designed to provide additional residential capacity alongside supporting social amenities.
According to the project team, construction commenced in May 2026 under a 12-month contract. However, the works had reached only 13 per cent completion at the time of inspection, putting the project behind its implementation schedule.
Despite the delay, the construction site is already serving as a practical training ground for students, with learners gaining hands-on experience in masonry, building works and other construction-related trades.
The delegation also inspected a separate KSh285 million construction project being implemented in two phases, with progress reported at 47 per cent.
Like the Student Village project, the development is providing learners with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real construction environments, strengthening their practical skills and workplace readiness.
The developments come at a time when the Government is seeking to strengthen technical and vocational education as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
According to the State Department for TVET, the sector's mandate includes producing skilled manpower through institutional training, industry partnerships, apprenticeships and practical work experience.
The Jitume programme is also part of the Government's wider digital skills agenda. The initiative seeks to equip young people with digital competencies and connect them to employment opportunities in the online economy.
A government report published in April 2024 indicated that Jitume hubs were being rolled out across TVET institutions, providing computer facilities, internet access and digital skills training.
For Bungoma North TVC, however, addressing the connectivity, electricity and staffing gaps will be critical to ensuring learners fully benefit from the digital initiative, while timely completion of the infrastructure projects remains important in improving the institution's learning and accommodation facilities.
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