Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have been urged to focus on quality training to enable the country achieve its development goals.
Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Vocational and Technical Training, Margaret Mwakima, said TVETs plays a significant role in the realization of Vision 2030 and the ‘Big Four’ agenda.
“The government commits huge resources to TVET institutions with an aim of improving access, equity, quality and relevance of training,” said Dr Mwakina.
The PS was speaking at Flamingo Beach Hotel in Mombasa, during the opening ceremony of a workshop for Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), Nairobi region.
The forum was being attended by Principals, Finance Officers, Internal Auditors and Procurement officers in TVET institutions.
Dr Mwakima affirms that the ultimate objective is to ensure youths who go through TVET training acquire skills that are relevant to the job market.
She said the Ministry was keen in seeking more resources to meet the growing demand for TVET education and added that 3,000 thousands trainers have been recruited to address the current shortage as a result of the establishment of more institutions.
The PS also acknowledged that technical training was expensive and urged TVETs to be innovative and come up with other income generating activities to supplement Government funding.
At the same time, Dr Mwakima called on the Principals to manage financial resources prudently and avoid wastage and misappropriation of public funds.
“The Principals, finance and procurement officers must manage financial resources strictly according to the law and regulations,” she added.
She directed Principals, finance officers, procurement officers and internal auditors to prepare weekly reports to ensure financial accountability and transparency.
Dr. Mwakima challenged procurement officers to follow regulations and ensure due diligence in the procuring of goods and service, and warned them against involvement in any form of corruption.
The Chairman of KATTI Nairobi region, Sammy Waititu, said TVETs were faced with numerous challenges, including shortage of trainers, modern equipment, furniture and lack of water and power in some new institutions.
Waititu said TVETs are ready to play their rightful role if the government will urgently address the challenges facing them.
By Mohamed Hassan
