Vocational schools face funding challenges amid rising demand for skilled workers

Manager Industrial Training, NITA Nairobi, Millicent Otom, hands over TTI recommendations to Dr. William Kiprono, Secretary of Administration at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection during an event in Nairobi. [Mike Kihaki, Standard] Technical training institutions in the country are struggling to provide quality service delivery due to funding constraints, despite the increased demand for skilled workers in various industries. The lack of adequate funding has resulted in poor learning facilities and limited opportunities for industrial attachment for the graduates. This was revealed during a stakeholder meeting on 'future proofing jobs in Kenya building construction and water infrastructure.' The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and Women In Real Estate (WIRE). The stakeholders called for improved quality of goods and services that meet both local and international standards, as well as the adoption of a dual training model that combines classroom learning and practical training in the industry. They also proposed the establishment of local industrial boards that will facilitate the training of trainers, systematic attachment, and sharing of training equipment and tools between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industry partners. The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Shadrack Mwadime, said that out of 13.6 million youth between 18 to 35 years, 1.6 million remain unemployed. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between training and industry, and to align the curricula with the market demands. "We must bridge the gap between training and industry, ensuring that our curricula are aligned with the market demands. Apprenticeships, internships and vocational training must be expanded and made more accessible," Mwadime said in a speech read on his behalf by Secretary Administration Dr William Kiprono. He added that skills development is paramount for stimulating the creation of a sustainable development system and enabling the informal sector to become competitive on a global scale. He also noted that technology has taken over and the old ways of doing things have become obsolete. "Skilling as a country we have no option but to have a paradox shift. Technology has taken over and our old ways of doing things have become obsolete and are no longer viable," he said. He reiterated that skill training remains a big contributor for job creation in the country and youth are being equipped with the entrepreneurial skills to innovate and excel in building construction and water infrastructure. "Relevant skills, competencies and access to jobs will accelerate the progress on the sustainable development goals, resulting in economic empowerment for all," he said. NITA Director Stephen Ogenga, said that for the country to meet both local and international labour demands, skilling is a must. He said that skilling is industry driven and that NITA works with other partners to build on other areas that will allow the economy to satisfy both the local employment demands and also export labour. "Skilled development in the country is industry driven who will cascade to other partners who will build on other areas that will allow this economy to satisfy both the local employment demands and also export labour," Ogenga said. He added that at least 1060 beneficiaries have gone through the transformative program, with 250 passing through Nita. "The target cannot be met if we do not have the support of the partners and the agencies do not provide quality programmes. The government is focusing on this value chain of building and construction, in honing the skills in order to create jobs instead of waiting for white collar jobs," he stated. Industrial Training Manager, NITA Nairobi, Millicent Otom, said that even with the rollout of government projects, youth must have requisite skills relevant to perform the tasks. She said that the training institutions must be on toes to give the right content in terms of curriculum and that the curriculum must meet the needs of the industry. "The employers have productivity that they will wish to have and keep improving. The skill goes hand in hand with the employer for the skills to be relevant. The training institutions must be on toes to give the right content in terms of curriculum and the curriculum must meet the needs of the industry," Otom said. Women In Real Estate said trainers of trainers need to undergo re-tooling to meet the ever changing industry. ''Most of the institution's facilities are old school. Learning environment is challenging because of the technological changes. Women are coming to an industry that is male designed which needs to be refurbished to meet their needs,'' she stated. TVET CDACC Deputy Director Assessment and Certification Dr Sella Kisaka said although the colleges graduate learners, there is no place to absorb them. 'Placement of learners after training for attachment is a challenge. We have 2000 Technical Training Institutes in the country and when it comes to the attachment of students there is a big problem. They have nowhere to go,'' Dr Kisaka said. Thomas Hansen of DANIDA said structural focus on gender imbalance in TVET reform because of the high turnover of female students. He said there is a need for gender friendly accommodation and access to essential items, hire more female tutors, and accommodate the needs of student parents and a comprehensive sponsorship package. ''Our focus must also be on inclusivity, ensuring that no young Kenyan is left behind due to gender, background or economic status,'' he said. The recommendations aim at ensuring lifelong learning, recognition of prior learning, and inclusivity in skills development, particularly for marginalized groups, including women. The project champions workers' rights, gender equality and constitutional principles offering a comprehensive solution for youth employment in Kenya's building and water sector. The report also advocates for the systemic integration of social partners within the realm of skills development and apprenticeship process. This collaboration is essential for tailoring education and training programs to precisely meet the industry's evolving skill requirements.

Vocational schools face funding challenges amid rising demand for skilled workers

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