State sets up authority to manage technical training institutions

Nairobi, Kenya: The Government has established a fully -pledged Authority to manage technical training institutions in the country, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Mr. Ruto said Vision 2030 was an important country development document that among other things places great emphasis on science, technology and innovation.

He said Technical Vocational Educational Training Authority will, among others, provide relevant programmes and effective management and governance for technical education.

“We have had had gaps in the development of technical education in the past but with an authority in place to manage them we will achieve our technological targets. Development of technology will actualize Vision 2030,” said the Deputy President.

Saying the future development of the country will be determined by the number of skilled workers and intellectual thinkers will be able to produce, the Deputy President said the Government will establish technical training institutes in every constituency.

He said this was aimed at promoting a knowledge-based economy to improve national prosperity and global competitiveness as well as ensure quality, equity and reliability in post-secondary education.

Mr. Ruto said what used to be called village polytechnics will be renamed vocational training centers adding that the personnel to work in such institutions must attain proper training at the Technical Training Centre in Nairobi.

Speaking during the 3rd session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) held at the School of Government in Kabete, Nairobi on Wednesday, The Deputy President said there will be separate examination council for vocational training.

Vice chairman of the Council of Governors Salim Mvurya said the county governments will work closely with the national government in ensuring service delivery to Kenyans.

Mr. Mvurya said the establishment of the vocational training institutes will go a long way in the provision of post secondary education to students.

“We will work closely with the national governments in ensuring the success of the technical institutes in our respective counties,” said the Governor.

He said the county governments support the formation of loans and grant council saying it will go a long way in ensuring efficient and proper borrowing of loans.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura called for harmonious working relations between the Senate and IBEC in the management of resources.

“IBEC should build cordial working relations with Senate in increasing efficiency in the management of resources,” said Mr. Gitura.

Present were Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich (Finance), Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo, chairman Commission on Revenue Allocation Micah Cheserem and Constitutional Implementation Commission chairman Charles Nyachae among others.