The national government has partnered with the Chinese government to equip and modernize Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) institutions.
Under the China-Kenya project, equipment worth Sh. 16.8 billion has been delivered to 144 institutions across the country.
The Vocational and Technical Training Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Kevit Desai said the equipment was part of the government’s initiative to revamp and reposition TVET institutions as key drivers of the economy.
Through the partnership, he said, 152 TVET trainers have been trained in mechatronics, electrical and electronics, welding, mechanical, automotive and agricultural machinery technologies.
The re-skilling exercise, he said, was essential to equip the trainers with requisite knowledge to set standards in various disciplines at the institutions.
“Our ultimate goal is to equip all the TVET institutions, both new and existing with modern state of the art equipment to ensure relevant and quality training,” he said.
“This goal cannot be achieved without deliberately ensuring that the trainers themselves are well equipped with capacities to handle the equipment and impart the desired skills to the trainees,” he added.
Speaking on Monday during a graduation ceremony for refrigeration and air conditioning trainers at Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) in Kisumu, the PS disclosed that the equipment can be used to manufacture industrial quality products and spare parts.
This, he said if well harnessed will go a long way in improving the financial status of the institutions and help fund important programmes.
Dr. Desai added that the government was in the process of establishing additional TVET institutions to enhance access and equity.
“We want to have at least one institution per constituency to impart market driven skills to the more than one million learners who graduate yearly from primary schools, secondary schools and universities,” he said.
Capitation for learners at the institutions, he said has been increased from Sh. 2.5 billion to Sh. 5.2 billion this financial year adding that an additional Sh.4 billion has been set aside for Higher Education Loans Board for TVET sub sector.
By Chris Mahandara
