By Amoto Ndiewo
The Chairman of Association of Vocational Trainers Absalom Mogaka has said that despite the massive strides made by government in the TVET sector, there was a challenge of progression in the institutions.
Talking during a show at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Mogaka lamented that the success of TVET in students easily getting jobs, has proven to be an anathema because TVET students who happen to fail a paper, or two find it very difficult to redo the exams.
“Since these chaps are well trained and have no problem in finding jobs, the students see no reason in coming to just sit for exams ,yet they can comfortably earn a good living ,” he said .
He added that TVETs have an acute shortage of tutors and facilities at some levels. He argued that the efforts by the government to build TVETs in all the 47 counties was not enough.
“There is need to build more of such facilities to tackle the projected incoming needs,” noted the chairman.
He expressed concern that the number of students in vocational centres is still low compared to the over half a million students in Kenyan universities.
He said there was need to guide and counsel primary school students who have not done well in KCPE to embrace vocational centres.
Wading in the big question and debate of skill versus academics Mogaka said that TVETS mainly have theory at 25 percent and practical courses eat the remaining percentage.
“In line with international standards, students in diploma levels spend 40 percent and 60 percent of their time in practical and theory work respectively while university students spend 20 percent in practical and 80 percent in both practical and theory,” he added.
Mogaka suggested that with the huge job shortage in the country, jobless university students can enroll in vocational centres to gain some skills.
