KUTVET Slams Govt for Harassing TVET Principals.
The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Training (KUTVET) has called on the government, through the State Department of TVET, to cease the harassment of vocational institution trainers, particularly principals.
During a recent interview, Union Secretary General Kepher Oguwi expressed concern over the growing trend where several TVET principals have been reassigned back to classroom teaching roles without any clear justification.
Oguwi highlighted that the abrupt redeployment of TVET Principals to teaching positions was alarming and had affected a significant number of them nationwide.
He noted that the primary issue lay within the office of the Principal Secretary (PS), which, he argued, was receiving inadequate guidance from field officers. Oguwi asserted that such actions pointed to a lapse in proper decision-making within the department.
He emphasized that for such drastic reassignments to occur, there must be individuals within the administration failing to execute their responsibilities correctly.
Calls for Proper Vetting in Leadership Appointments
The union leader further urged the government to collaborate with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the State Department of TVET to ensure thorough training and evaluation of candidates before appointing Principals and Deputy Principals in TVET institutions.
While acknowledging that the sector was not performing poorly overall, Oguwi pointed out existing gaps, particularly in the management structure of technical institutions. He stressed the necessity for a rigorous vetting process when selecting candidates for leadership positions.
Oguwi advocated for a structured hiring process at the institutional level. He argued that vacancies should be advertised, and eligible candidates should undergo interviews conducted by expert panels to assess their competencies before appointments are made.
According to him, the current system, where the PS directly appoints TVET heads, was a major factor contributing to the ongoing issues in the sector.
He criticized this method, stating that it was leading to inefficiencies and governance challenges in vocational institutions.
Union Fights for Affected TVET Heads
Condemning the recent demotion of TVET leaders without due process, Oguwi reaffirmed that the union was actively addressing cases involving affected individuals. He emphasized that any personnel changes should follow clear disciplinary and procedural frameworks.
According to the 2024 Economic Survey report, the number of trainers in the sector decreased by 2.6 percent, dropping from 6,465 in 2022 to 6,296 in 2023.
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The report further revealed a gender disparity, with male trainers under the PSC declining by 3.5 percent, while their female counterparts saw a 0.9 percent reduction in 2023.
Oguwi reiterated the need for structured leadership and a transparent appointment process to ensure stability and efficiency within the TVET sector.
KUTVET Slams Govt for Harassing TVET Principals
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