Ministry of Education CAS Hassan Noor, Kenya Association of Technical Trainings Institutions (KATTI) chairperson Glory Mutungi and Education PS Dr Margaret Mwakima during the Principals' training at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa County. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]
The government will next year employ 3,000 trainers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) institutions.
Vocational and Technical Training Principal Secretary Margaret Mwakima said new trainers will comprise 1,000-degree holders and 2,000 diploma, graduates.
She noted that last year, the government employed 3,000 teachers, who included 2,000-degree holders and 1,000 diploma holders.
Dr Mwakima also ordered a full rollout of the Competency-Based Tvet (CBET) curriculum next year to promote skills development.
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She was addressing technical trainers under the umbrella of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (Katti) at the Pride Inn Beach Resort in Mombasa during a workshop on human resource management.
The function was also attended by Education Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor. The Standard Group is a media partner.
The Tvet trainers were transferred from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and were being trained as the government focuses on transforming the sector to produce more young people with relevant technical skills.
“We have also developed the criteria for the promotion of technical trainers and it will be implemented in full,” said Mwakima, adding that registrars and trainers in acting capacity will be confirmed.
She said the capital grants for students in Tvet institutions will be released early to ensure the smooth running of the colleges.
Katti chairperson Glory Mutungi said Tvet teachers have suffered after the transfer from TSC to PSC because their promotions stalled, and many of them served on the same grade for many years while some died or retired while waiting for higher job grades.
“We are looking forward to the document on promotion to be fully implemented,” she said.
She called for the employment of more trainers to address a big shortage in Tvet institutions.
“We are also urging the ministry to expand our institutions so as to accommodate more students as the competency-based curriculum rolls out in Tvet institutions. We need funds for expansion to avoid congestion,” she said, adding that the sector deserved its own ministry.
However, Mwakima noted that the government is currently focused on completing ongoing projects before the next year’s General Election.
Mr Noor said it was prudent for the trainers to start preparing for their retirement early to avoid mental anguish and frustration when they leave the public service.
The officials also cautioned technical trainers to stop engaging in partisan politics during this electioneering period.
Mwakima said while the technical trainers had the right to attend political rallies and even interrogate aspirants as voters, they should not join political formations and must remain loyal to the government.
