The Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP) will retool 46 driving instructors drawn from various Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) operated by the County Government of Nakuru as part of a broader effort to improve the quality of driving instruction and enhance road safety in the country.
The initiative whose primary focus is enhanced competence and improved ethical conduct of driving instructors that is in turn expected to yield more skilled and responsible drivers, resulting in fewer accidents and fatalities has received support from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN).
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, ICT and e-Government Ms Zipporah Ngugi said the up-skilling will be of great impact to the county as it will build the capacity of VTC instructors in delivering quality and relevant training to the young people in the Vocational Training Centres.
Ms Ngugi indicated the collaborative initiative between RVNP, the County Government and CICAN will ensure that all the devolved unit’s 11 sub-counties have access to trained instructors, thereby increasing the availability of driving courses and fostering self-reliance, strengthening vocational education in the VTCs.
She spoke at RVNP during deliberations between a delegation of the devolved unit’s education experts and a team from the National polytechnic headed by the Chief Principal Mr Sammy Chemoiwa on the roll out of the driving instructor training program.
While noting that only skilled and knowledgeable instructors can provide better learning experiences for new drivers, leading to increased confidence and competence behind the wheel, Ms Ngugi added that such qualified tutors can also create customized learning plans based on individual needs and skill levels, helping learners progress at their own pace.
She stated that the County VTCs needed qualified instructors who have in-depth knowledge of road safety, traffic laws, and road conditions, ensuring learners are well-prepared for various driving situations.
“Well trained driving instructors in our VTCs will also help learners understand what to expect during the road test and provide specific guidance to increase their chances of qualifying. They will be able to effectively teach essential driving techniques and safe driving practices, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting responsible driving,” noted the CECM
Ms Ngugi noted that the quality of training provided at driving schools has a direct impact on road safety, and that the role and quality of driving instructors play in shaping driving habits should not be underestimated.
Poorly trained instructors she observed in turn produce incompetent and irresponsible drivers, which poses a serious threat to every road user.
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) is a national, voluntary membership organization representing publicly supported colleges, institutes and polytechnics in Canada and internationally.
Known previously as the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), CICAN champions innovations, applied research, international development, and the employment or entrepreneurial opportunities that are created by its member institutions and partners all over the world.
By ensuring that driving instructors meet the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) requirements and adhere to NTSA regulations, Ms Ngugi said the initiative aims to improve the safety and quality of driving education, ultimately leading to safer roads and more skilled drivers.
She also noted that over the years Kenyan roads have been upgraded citing bypass interchanges, road links and expressways roads that didn’t exist several years ago adding that there was urgent need for instructors even those who been in the profession for the last 10 to 20 years, to go for refresher training, because the highway code has significantly changed.
Ms Ngugi said the county government is working with NTSA to ensure that driving instructors at its VTCs are accredited and receive comprehensive training in areas like defensive driving techniques, adhering to traffic rules, recognizing road hazards, and cultivating a safety culture.
“Road safety is a pressing concern for all Kenyans. It is a shared responsibility, and driving schools play a significant role in shaping the attitudes and skills of aspiring drivers. While practical experience is undoubtedly crucial, it is essential that driving schools also instill a deep sense of consciousness about road safety. After all, driving skills alone are not enough if they are not accompanied by a commitment to following traffic rules and regulations,” added the CECM
NTSA, which is responsible for accrediting driving schools, has taken steps to address the issue of unqualified instructors by implementing stricter licensing requirements and conducting regular inspections of driving schools.
Accreditation ensures that the driving school meets the required standards and follows the guidelines set by the regulatory authority
RVNP is accredited by the NTSA to train driving instructors utilizing a revised syllabus.
Mr Chemoiwo said the National polytechnic offers both full-time and part-time courses, including certificate and diploma programs, for driving instructors.
The Chief Principal indicated that NTSA has developed a curriculum for training and testing of driving instructors, and all driving instruction must adhere to the approved curriculum.
He added that the NTSA also requires instructors to attend refresher courses and continuous
The training is intended to enhance the quality of driving instruction
While stating that a comprehensive curriculum is essential for developing well-rounded drivers Mr Chemoiwo explained that NTSA accreditation ensures that driving schools follow a curriculum that covers theory, practical skills, road safety, and traffic rules and regulations.
The programs focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of driving instruction, covering topics like the NTSA curriculum, first aid, fire safety, and defensive driving.
By Anne Mwale
