The Ministry of Education has issued a new policy requiring Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to run throughout the year without designated breaks, this is in line with government plan to streamline operations in TVET colleges.
In a letter penned to TVET principals dated January 10, 2024, State Department for TVET Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria indicated that the colleges should prepare own calendars to ensure continuous training and where breaks are needed, they shall be staggered across Departments to ensure continuous operations throughout the year.
TVET officers will also be required to utilize official leave days accordingly.
The colleges used to take six to eight-week breaks three times a year which took up to six months of training time annually.
The new policy requires all meetings/retreats requiring officers to be away from their work stations to receive approval from the PS after sharing briefs, concept notes and agendas of the issues to be discussed.
KATTI meetings shall now be held, for a maximum of five days (including travel days) once per calendar year with approval from the PS.
The Ministry indicated that several meetings and retreats convened by various agencies, development partners and KATTI were being held or attended by senior management teams in TVET colleges sometimes without the authority and concurrence of the PS.
The issues have caused TVET principals and other senior staff members to spend a considerable amount of time away from their work stations compromising performance.
It also stated that resources shall be strategically be allocated for the various courses and related developmental projects in the colleges to ensure optimal utilization.
“Institutions are encouraged to leverage on the equipment and machinery to provide trainees with industrial training experience within the institutions and run approved production units,” part of the letter from the PS read.
The Ministry had pointed out underutilization of various resources in the TVET colleges despite the heavy investment in state of the art equipment and machinery.
It detailed that inadequate use of the available equipment for training and productivity in approved activities is an opportunity cost in enhancement of the training, keeping pace with industry advancements experience and resource mobilization.
It however appreciated TVETs that have initiated faculty up skilling in use of equipment which not only ensures efficiency but also promotes a culture of continuous learning.
By Obegi Malack | obegimalack@gmail.com
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