New funding for Tvets to start September

TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria addresses Principals during the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions capacity building workshop at Flamingo Beach Hotel in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

The new model of funding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) institutions announced by President William Ruto last week will not affect the continuing students and the May intake, the government has clarified.

Tvet Principal Secretary Esther Muoria said the model that gives students from poor family backgrounds more government funding will take effect during the September intake.

Dr Muoria spoke when she closed a conference for Tvet principals and deputies in Mombasa over the weekend. The continuing Tvet students will carry on with the current arrangement where the State gives a capitation of Sh30,000 per student.

"The new funding model is for September intake. The funds will be factored into the 2023-2024 financial year budget. The current students fall under the old funding model," she explained.

The new funding model is billed as sustainable - enabling more students to access education and training.

It also affects university students in the country.

The PS pledged to push for the disbursement of the pending Sh4.7 billion capitation owed to Tvet institutions but warned that the pending bills may hit Sh5 billion soon. "The pending capitation bill may increase from Sh4.7 billion to Sh5 billion, I hope and pray for the best," she said.

Under the new funding model, Tvet students will pay Sh67, 189 fees annually down from Sh71, 420 with the poor getting more funds.

The students will be categorised as vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy. Learners will have to apply to the Higher Educations Loans Board (Helb) before being assessed and given the funds.

"The Tvet institutions should sensitise trainees who will enrol during May 2023 intake that the changes will not affect them," said Muoria.

Dr Muoria told Tvet principals not to resist change saying the decision to adopt the new model was meant to ensure equity.

"Change is constant. Let's not resist it, let us move on," she said. On Tvet training in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (Asal) areas, the PS said her department was pushing for the construction of hostels to save the education of students in those areas.

"We are looking for money to build hostels in Asal areas. The Maasai flock to my offices pushing for the building of hostels in their area," she noted.

She was flanked by Tvet Authority Director John Tuwei, Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions Chairman David Mwangi and chief executives of Helb Charles Ringera, and Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service Dr Mercy Wahome.

Dr Wahome said the new model has de-linked placement of students in colleges and universities from funding. "Looking at the new model, it is work that we put many hours in. It is not perfect but it is a work in progress," she said.

Ringera said Helb was considering funding Tvet students doing artisan courses that take less than 12 months.