Sh2.5b sought to improve engineering courses

By JOEL OKWAYO

The Government has moved in to address concerns raised by the Engineering Registration Board (ERB) on the quality of training in institutions of higher learning.

Education Secretary Harry Kaane said Sh2.5 billion is being sought to improve the quality of engineering training.

Prof Kaane noted that negotiations with Treasury and donors are at an advanced stage.

"I am confident that by next year, the funds will be available," he said.

He said most institutions of higher learning lack equipment and adequate lecturers for engineering courses. "The number of students has grown tremendously but lecturers have remained the same," he lamented.

The commission’s Chief Executive Officer Everett Standa challenged universities to emulate University of Nairobi, which has introduced online studies. He said the move had improved access to education among scholars.

Standa said universities should formulate courses that are in line with current market trends.