State releases Sh1.19 billion for cash strapped TVETs

The government has released Sh1.192 billion to fund Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.

The Ministry of Education said the payment was a crucial step in its commitment to skills development.

The funds will help the institutions to provide training materials, utilities and co-curricular activities for the learners.

Education Principal Secretary Esther Muoria said the injection of resources aimed to create a conducive environment for effective learning and skill acquisition.

In a statement, she said the funds would also support various initiatives to improve the accessibility, quality and relevance of the TVET institutions.

"These include providing financial assistance to individual trainees, a move designed to empower aspiring professionals in various fields," she said.

She added that the government was committed to delivering employable skills through the TVET institutions to support key economic sectors.

"This strategic investment aligns with broader goals such as reducing youth unemployment and driving sustainable economic growth," she said.

She further said the funding would ensure that current TVET trainees had ample opportunities for success within and beyond the institutions, emphasizing the inclusive principle of training for everyone and leaving no one behind.

Under the new funding model that was supposed to take effect in September 2023, TVET students would pay Sh67,189 fees annually, down from Sh71,420, with the poor getting more funds.

The students would be categorised as vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy. They would have to apply to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) before being assessed and given the funds.