Declining TVET Enrollment as Youths Flock to Boda Boda Sector

Declining TVET Enrollment as Youths Flock to Boda Boda Sector.

Education stakeholders in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, have voiced concerns over the declining interest among local youths in enrolling at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Instead, many are choosing to join the boda boda business. Despite being situated in Makululu village, Kaloleni Technical and Vocational College (KTVC) has struggled to attract students, even from its neighbouring community.

The institution, which began admitting students in 2019, currently has a student population of approximately 400.

Kaloleni Sub-County Education Officer, Ms Josephine Lomata, expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that parents have lost control of their children, who now make independent decisions without proper guidance on their future.

She observed that a significant number of young people are opting out of secondary education or vocational training, choosing instead to enter the informal sector. She lamented that many youths refuse to attend secondary school or a TVET institution, pressuring their parents to buy them boda bodas instead.

The Rising Attraction of the Boda Boda Business

The number of youths joining the boda boda sector has been increasing across the country in recent years. In some constituencies, this trend has been accelerated by sponsorships for driving school training provided through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

While these initiatives aim to equip young people with employable skills, stakeholders believe they should not come at the expense of more comprehensive vocational education.

Kaloleni MP Paul Katana acknowledged that although such sponsorships have supported many youths, they should also be encouraged to pursue additional skills to enhance their employability.

He revealed that in the last term, he had allocated approximately Sh1.7 million for driving school training, where some youths failed while others succeeded in obtaining licences.

However, he argued that merely acquiring a driving licence was insufficient, emphasizing that obtaining a certificate in a trade such as plumbing or electrical wiring offered better employment opportunities.

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He further linked the lack of education to the increasing cases of violence against elderly relatives, often targeted over witchcraft allegations. He pointed out that many young people spend excessive time on social media and later blame unemployment on alleged bewitchment, sometimes leading to tragic consequences.

He added that despite allocating Sh500,000 to support students enrolling at Kaloleni Technical and Vocational College, only one person from the village had applied.

Need for Early Mentorship and Engagement

Mr Peter Vuko from the Kaloleni Citizen Forum criticized local leaders for failing to engage and mentor youths while they are still in school. He stressed the importance of early intervention to prepare students for higher education and career transitions.

According to him, proactive mentorship could help address the growing disinterest in vocational training and ensure young people are better equipped for future opportunities.

Declining TVET Enrollment as Youths Flock to Boda Boda Sector

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