Hollow promises about village polytechnics

Learners at Onyunyur Youth polytechnics use bricks as chairs while teachers find shelter under the tree as they plan their lessons-[Photo by Grace Wekesa/Standard]

Kenya: Youth polytechnics in many parts of the country are in a sorry state of neglect. Over the years, they have been ignored by the central government but handing them over to county governments has dealt them a near death blow.

Facilities are overstretched and the learning environment discourages learners and instructors. The latter go without pay for months but are expected to execute their duties without fail.

Onyunyur Youth Polytechnic in Teso North Sub-County is one such institution where its 42 students have to go through many difficulties every day.

The polytechnic lacks basic learning facilities and tools including stationery, furniture and staffroom.

"We use bricks as our desks and it makes it difficult for us to concentrate in class," says Stephen Papa, a student.

The institution's four instructors have converted a tree shade into their staffroom. Under that tree, they consult and plan lessons.

Despite these hardships, the instructors have worked for one year without pay. The board mandated to manage the institution has not set its foot on the compound since inception.

"Teachers here are working on voluntary basis to prevent the students from committing crime in the community. Since the polytechnic began in June last year, we have not been paid a single cent by the board,'' laments Maureen Amo, a teacher.

One of the instructors said they have decided to volunteer their services for the sake of the poor students eager to gain skills that will help them properous in future.

"We are told the county government pumped some funds into this institution, but we never saw a cent," says Vincent Okechi.

But Joel Barua, Busia County Education chief officer, says the polytechnic is community owned and not registered under the county, noting that the county cannot channel resources there at the moment.

"Onyunyur is among the six community projects that are yet to acquire registration. We are advising the community to register it because the county is mandated to fully equip it only after all procedures are followed,'' says Barua.

Barua says there are only 18 polytechnics registered in the county and instructors at the polytechnic are paid by the area MCAs and community.

However, area legislator Arthur Odera observed that it is the responsibility of the county government to equip and empower the youth.

"This is a sorrowful state. Not everyone is academically talented and such institutions should have the best infrastructure in place to help promote skills in various fields,'' avers Odera.

Similar to other polytechnics, at Onyunyur, learners have a broad spectrum of courses to choose from. Some of the courses offered are masonry, tailoring, hairdressing and carpentry.

They are all hands-on courses that call for basic equipment and tools that will help equip learners with necessary skills and knowledge. Nonetheless, the polytechnic lacks a single tool and students feel they have been given a raw deal.

"Courses we undertake here like carpentry, hairdressing and masonry need equipment and a workshop for practicals. We are only relying on theory, which is a far cry from what a polytechnic is supposed to offer, says Carolyne Atyang, a student.

Occasionally, the polytechnic is forced to borrow carpentry tools from a nearby private workshop at a fee in order to conduct their  lessons.

In Onyunyur and the neighbouring Angurai polytechnic, the classrooms are incomplete and some are an eyesore as well as dangerous as they can collapse any time.

Lack of water and important facilities such as toilets make learning at the polytechnic a nightmare.

Students, teachers and the Onyunyur community feel neglected by their leaders who should be at the forefront to offer good services to them.

"Of what use is the polytechnic to the community? It is just a shell without equipment to aid the learners. We call upon the county government to help our youth acquire skills at this institution," says another student.

The story is the same at Angurai Polytechnic. The 24 students in session say they lack basic and key equipment.