TVETS Urged To Invest Beyond Government Support
During the dissemination of the TVET institution quality audit report at Alupe University for Western Kenya, Dr. Kipkirui Langat, Director General of TVETA, emphasized the importance of sustainability for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes.
He highlighted that while a significant portion of the national budget supports education, TVETs should explore avenues beyond government funding to ensure their growth.
Dr. Langat mentioned initiatives such as infrastructure improvement and student scholarships funded by the government, which have boosted enrollment in TVETs. However, he cautioned that over-reliance on government funding could become unsustainable in the long run.
To address this, TVETA is engaging with development partners and industries to explore opportunities for TVETs to generate revenue by offering goods and services to the public.
Professor Florence Indede, Chairperson of the TVET Authority Board, underscored the role of TVETA in enforcing standards across institutions. She reported that an inspection covered 400 TVET institutions in 29 counties, with feedback guiding future Ministry of Education policies.
While acknowledging the sector’s positive strides, Prof. Indede warned that institutions failing to meet standards, such as lacking proper equipment for courses offered, could face closure based on audit findings.
Dr. Ruth Agesa, Vihiga County Executive for Education, highlighted TVET’s role in youth employment despite challenges like inadequate funding and seed capital for graduates. She commended government efforts in training instructors and supporting student fees through bursaries.
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Beatrice Nakholi, Busia County Executive for Education and Industrial Skills Development, advocated for a regional TVETA office to improve access to TVET services. She expressed commitment to enhancing TVET standards in the county to meet industrial needs.
The forum convened instructors from Western Kenya to strategize on enhancing educational quality within the TVET sector, emphasizing its critical role in regional development.
TVETS Urged To Invest Beyond Government Support