Government to acquire, fund village polytechnics

By KEPHER OTIENO

The Government is to acquire village polytechnics and equip them with adequate ultra modern facilities to boost learning.

Youth development officers said the process had begun in line with the new constitutional order that would see each of the 47 counties acquire a polytechnic.

On Thursday, The Standard learnt the Government had acquired Awendo Marindi Youth Polytechnic and injected Sh3.2 million to upgrade the facility.

It had also acquired Kitere Youth Polytechnic started by the Catholic Church.

Rongo District Youth Development Officer Peter Ochieng’ said funds had been disbursed to the institutions in the pilot programme as they targeted more.

"We held several consultative forums with members of the community, which bore fruits. They accepted to hand over the institutions for us to equip and develop," he said.

equip and develop

Mr Ochieng’ said Sh2 million had been disbursed to Kitere polytechnic for infrastructural development.

Students in the twin institutions will learn at subsidised rates, courtesy of the Youth Polytechnic Fund, Ochieng disclosed.

He said: "Students’ fees will be subsidised at Sh15,000 per head. I, therefore, encourage youth to take advantage of these opportunities."

He said youth would benefit a lot from the new Constitution.