Govt To Recruit 3,000 Trainers And Increase Retirement Age Of TVET Tutors And principals.
Since taking office in 2013, the government has spent a whopping Sh 55.4 billion on equipping and renovating Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutes (TVET) across the country.
While highlighting the government’s nine-year progress in improving the higher education sector, State Department for TVETs PS Dr. Margaret Mwakima stated that the government is still investing more resources in modernizing and expanding technical and vocational institutions throughout the country to ensure that the training offered by TVETs aligns with the demands of the job market.
The PS also stated, during the third graduation ceremony at Nyeri National Polytechnic on Monday, that TVETs have become critical in achieving rapid economic growth, social and technological improvements as the country strives to realize Vision 2030.
“The government has so far spent Sh 10.6 billion in increasing the number of TVET institutions from 52 in 2013 to 238 in 2022. About 192 of them are operational while 46 are nearing completion,” she said.
Dr. Mwakima noted that trainee enrolment in TVETs had increased from 55,945 in 2013 to 249,316 in 2022, attributing the increase to Sh 10.3 billion in government grants to TVETs and Sh 11.1 billion in education loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to TVET trainees.
The PS also stated that the Vocational Training Council receives a conditional grant of Sh 2 billion each fiscal year to ensure the smooth operation of the organization.
“In order to meet the human resource needs that require greater technical skills that match the dynamic industry, the government is investing a lot in the TVETs, from issuing of government grants, supporting the trainees with HELB loans to cater for the training as well as equipping the institutions with state of the art equipment,” she said.
Retirement Age Of TVET Tutors And principals.
At the same time, the PS revealed the government’s plans to address the current tutor shortage by hiring an additional 3,000 trainers in various institutions.
She also stated that her department was in talks with the Public Service Commission about raising the retirement age for TVET tutors and principals to 65 years old, rather than the 60 years required by law.
“You may probably think that we will disadvantage the youths by increasing the retirement age, but when such a skill is acquired especially in this skill based field, it is made sharper with experience and time.
Govt To Recruit 3,000 Trainers And Increase Retirement Age Of TVET Tutors And principals
“It’s my hope that the Public Service Commission will support us in this since again we have not employed new staff for some time now,” said Dr. Mwakima.
The PS also revealed that discussions are underway at the Attorney General’s Office to elevate nine TVET institutions to National Polytechnics.
This, she claims, will increase the number of National Polytechnics from 13 to 22 across the country.
The PS congratulated the graduates and urged them to seize every opportunity to provide the best services to humanity in order to transform people’s livelihoods.
“To the graduates, today marks an important milestone in the development of your career. You have been trained and equipped to go out and serve society.
"Your contribution in meeting the needs of the society will be determined by your ability to innovatively create solutions that lead to economic growth,” she stated.
Anne Mwangi, Chief Principal of Nyeri National Polytechnic, attributed the institution’s tremendous growth in infrastructure and trainee population to the timely provision of government capitation and the institution’s elevation to National Polytechnic status.
Mwangi also acknowledged the role of society’s positive perception of TVETs, stating that the institutions had seen increased enrollment of trainees who were now opting for technical courses rather than university admission. The total number of trainees at the institution is currently 7,345 people.
“We have witnessed tremendous growth in this institution, in terms of infrastructure and the number of trainees, thanks to the government that has been in full support of our operations.
"The society has also embraced the TVET courses which have greatly contributed to our growth in terms of trainee population,” Mwangi said.
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She added: “To the graduates, I urge you to continue with your quest of knowledge and skills and discover your own unique way to contribute to this society.”
After being postponed for two years due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Nyeri National Polytechnic held its third graduation on Monday. In total, 2,853 graduands received higher diplomas, diplomas, and certificates in various crafts and artisan courses.
3,000 TVET trainers To Be Hired – Margaret Mwakima
Govt To Recruit 3,000 Trainers And Increase Retirement Age Of TVET Tutors And principals.
