Government funding limitations have been identified as a major obstacle to the growth of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the country.
It is on this note that the Principal Secretary for the State Department for TVET, Dr Esther Thaara Muoria, has advised technical institutions to start being innovative by implementing income-generating activities in their various centres.
The Ps, while officiating at the 1st inaugural graduation since it became a national polytechnic, Muoria agreed that funding from the treasury was still insufficient to sustain all the technical institutions within the country.
“We are all dipping our hands into one cooking pot, which is the treasury to run and manage our institutions, and it has not been easy to fund our TVET effectively, so we are advising our institutions to devise ways of raising extra income that will assist them to keep running as they await government capitation.”
He said it was in order, considering that they were offering various technical know-how to trainees, which should be put into practice.
The Ps, however, stated that so far, most institutions have invested in alternative income generators, including dairy, crop, and vegetable farming, which are raising enough funds to meet their daily needs.
Her sentiments came a few days later while addressing the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, who was accompanied by Principal Secretaries Professor Julius Bitok (Basic Education) and Raymond Omollo (Interior).
Shamberere National Polytechnic’s Chief Principal, Dr Elisha Nyamu, expressed his concerns over the institution’s lack of workshops to carry out practicals, as the population had increased tremendously after being elevated to a national polytechnic.
Nyamu had asked the government to consider allocating funds to expand the institution, citing that the 29.9-acre site the institution was sitting on was not enough for its national polytechnic status.
“We seriously need electrical automotive, agriculture, engineering, food and beverage workshops to be able to practice technical learning effectively. This is what the late MP had promised before he passed on, as he wanted Shamberere to become a national landmark as far as technical training was concerned,” he said.
He also reminded the government over its Ksh150 million hostel proposal as it was time as the institutions population continued to grow.
The polytechnic council, chaired by Engineer Musa Kulubi, called on the graduands to make good use of the training they had received, not only to seek gainful employment but also to become leaders in their respective fields.
“Whether you pursue further studies, enter the workforce, or embark on entrepreneurial ventures, always carry the Shamberere ethos of excellence, integrity and teamwork with yourselves,” urged Kulubi.
The chair called on parents and guardians to support the school by enrolling more trainees and thanked those who had entrusted them with their learners.
I wish to thank the parents and sponsors of Shamberere for their unwavering support. Their belief in our graduands’ potential has been the bedrock of their immense success.
We hope we lived up to your expectations and provided them with the foundation for a prosperous future,” he assured.
He noted that, besides government funding, the institution had proactively sought ways to enhance its financial sustainability and self-reliance through growing various income-generating activities, including a fully functional guest house.
This guest house, in addition to offering comfortable accommodation, also generates revenue through the hosting of academic events.
“We also have a vibrant farm that both contributes to our self sufficiency in terms of produce and serves as a practical learning ground for our agricultural trainees.”
He added that they were also setting up a business hub, which will be helpful in marketing and selling their produce to the local market.
“These initiatives are not just about generating income, since they are also creating practical learning opportunities for our trainees, hence encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship within our great institution,” he noted.
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He congratulated the government for its support in setting up the Jitume laboratory, which houses 100 computers that provide an opportunity for young people from within to earn a living through online jobs.
He assured the parents that with the government’s pledge to construct a 1,200-bed hostel facility at the institution, the accommodation challenges faced by the trainees will be reduced.
“Indeed, Shamberere National Polytechnic is now at a different level, but it has enough facilities compared to the other polytechnics countrywide, and that is why we are pleading with the government to upgrade us too,” he added.
The Ps agreed that the Kenya Kwanza administration has amplified technical training as part of the cornerstone of the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) where every young person regardless of their background has access to quality market aligned training that will lead them to a decent work or entrepreneurship.
She applauded the management of Shamberere for its resilience and commitment that have given birth to its milestone.
She also pointed out the council, management and staff of the polytechnic for their commitment in enrolling more trainees from 3800 to 7000and still counting.
“With the current enrolment of trainers here, and the adoption of technologies that enhance practical learning and active engagement in income-generating initiatives, this institution is demonstrating sustainable growth and action-based innovations,” she said.
These strides: she continued, align with the national drive in the (TVET) reforms which encompass the full roll out Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum modularization of training programs, implementation of the dual training policy, expansion of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), the recruitment and upskilling of trainers, investment and strengthening of industry linkages.
The guest of honour said with the laid down reforms, transformation of technical institutions into a vigorous engine of skills across the country was inevitable as development and economic empowerment will be realized.
With this being your first graduation of 1,700 graduands, the polytechnic is now well-positioned and endowed to to lead the change in preparing future-readyfuture-ready professionals equipped for digital, green, and industrial careers.
“Let the skills you have honed be your strength and your values your compass, be the innovators, problem solvers, and leaders who will drive this country’s transformation and meaningfully contribute to global development,” she added.
By Wakhungu Wakhungu
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