Kirinyaga County government has appointed the Board of Management (BOM) for all 16 polytechnics in the county to enhance the management of the institutions.
The BOM will work with the Department of Education to revitalise the vocational training institutions as centers of excellence, develop and implement training programmes, mobilise resources and community support, and oversee and promote a high standard of quality education and training.
The appointment aims at giving youth access to skills and technical know-how that will enable them to fit into the contemporary labour market or self-employment.
Speaking while issuing Members of the boards with appointment letters at Kamiigua Polytechnic, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education and Public Service James Kinyua Mutugi said increased demand for skilled labour in the market has necessitated a change in how polytechnics are managed.
“The revitalisation programme by our county government, which is being implemented across the youth polytechnics in the county, is aimed at enabling the institutions to adequately cater for the training needs of the youth,” Mutugi said.
The county has 16 polytechnics with a total population of 2000 students. The polytechnics offer various courses, including motor vehicle mechanics, electrical installation, masonry, garment making, hairdressing and beauty, carpentry and joinery, metal work and fabrication, and computer and ICT short courses.
“These are highly sought-after skills that are highly marketable in the job market,” he added.
While congratulating the new board members for their appointments, Education Chief Officer Patrick Mugo asked them to help change the community’s perception towards polytechnics.
“For a long time, polytechnics have been viewed as dumping sites for failures. We need to change the general public’s mentality as polytechnics are training institutions that impart various skills to our children, skills they can use to earn a living,” he said.
Kamiigua Polytechnic Principal Terrence Njiru said that board members are vital in the management of an institution and help in the smooth running of learning institutions.
He urged parents to enroll their children in polytechnics, stating that having our youth in polytechnics keeps them from engaging in illegal activities like drug use and helps them acquire money-making skills.
By Mutai Kipngetich
