The government plans to hire 3,000 trainers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) institutions next year
Margaret Mwakima, Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training, stated that the new trainers will include 1,000-degree holders and 2,000 diploma, graduates.
She stated that the government employed 3,000 teachers last year, with 2,000 having a bachelor’s degree and 1,000 having a diploma.
Dr. Mwakima has also directed that the Competency-Based Tvet (CBET) curriculum be fully implemented next year in order to promote skill development.
She was speaking to technical trainers at the Pride Inn Beach Resort in Mombasa during a workshop on human resource management organized by the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (Katti).
Education Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor also attended the event.
The Tvet trainers were transferred from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for training as the government focuses on transforming the sector to produce more young people with relevant technical skills.
“We have also developed the criteria for the promotion of technical trainers and it will be implemented in full,” said Mwakima, adding that registrars and trainers in acting capacity will be confirmed.
She stated that capital grants for students at Tvet institutions will be distributed early in order to ensure the smooth operation of the colleges.
Tvet teachers suffered after the transfer from TSC to PSC, according to Katti chairperson Glory Mutungi, because their promotions stalled, and many of them served on the same grade for many years, while others died or retired while waiting for higher job grades.
“We are looking forward to the document on promotion to be fully implemented,” she said.
She advocated for the hiring of more trainers in order to address a critical shortage in Tvet institutions.
She also urged the ministry to expand TVET institutions so that more students can be accommodated as the competency-based curriculum is implemented in Tvet institutions.
To avoid congestion, we need funds for expansion,” she said, adding that the sector deserved its own ministry.
Mwakima, on the other hand, stated that the government is currently focused on completing ongoing projects before the General Election next year
Mr. Noor advised the trainers to begin planning for retirement as soon as possible in order to avoid mental anguish and frustration when they leave the public sector.
Officials also warned technical trainers not to engage in partisan politics during this election season.
Mwakima stated that while technical trainers have the right to attend political rallies and even question voters, they should not join political formations and must remain loyal to the government
