Government to Roll Out New TVET Funding Model Before Christmas.
A new funding model for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) institutions is set to be unveiled before Christmas, according to Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, the Principal Secretary of Tvet.
The model promises significant changes from the existing university funding framework and aims to address unique challenges in the Tvet sector.
Dr. Muoria emphasized that this model will provide guaranteed funding of Sh85,000 annually to every Tvet student, regardless of their background.
This initiative is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on students and their families.
While commissioning a gemology workshop at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic (TTNP) in Voi town, Dr. Muoria highlighted the role of modern facilities in enhancing technical education.
The workshop, funded by the MasterCard Foundation, Colleges and Institutions Canada (CiCAN), and the Ministry of Education under the Young African Works in Kenya Tvet programme, cost over Sh47 million and currently enrolls 34 students.
However, the laboratory’s capacity is designed for 200 students.
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Dr. Muoria noted that the new equipment at TTNP would enable graduates to meet global standards in the gemology industry.
She described this development as a transformative step for the Tvet sector. The event was attended by Governor Andrew Mwadime and Voi MP Abdi Chome.
Challenges and Recommendations
TTNP currently faces low enrollment, with only 3,415 students, significantly below the required 5,000 for designation as a national polytechnic.
Dr. Muoria questioned why the institution was elevated to national status despite the low student numbers, which negatively impact its government funding.
She urged local leaders to address this issue by promoting enrollment to meet the 5,000-student threshold.
This, she explained, would attract more funding from both the government and development partners. The PS called for concerted efforts to improve the institution’s performance and reputation.
The New Higher Education Funding Model, introduced in May 2023 as part of President William Ruto’s education reforms, has faced criticism from university students and lecturers.
While the President claims the model ensures government funding reaches students from low-income families, its implementation has been described as opaque and inequitable.
University Funding Bands
| Band | Family Income | Scholarship (%) | Loan (%) | Upkeep Loan (Sh) | Family Contribution (%) |
| 1 | Less than Sh54,000 | 70 | 25 | 5,400 | 0 |
| 2 | Moderate income | 60 | 30 | 52,272 | 10 |
| 3 | Mid-range income | 50 | 30 | 47,620 | 20 |
| 4 | Higher income | 40 | 30 | N/A | 30 |
| 5 | Wealthy families | 30 | N/A | N/A | 70 |
Dr. Muoria clarified that the new Tvet funding model will not follow these categories. Instead, it guarantees a fixed annual scholarship amount for all students, ensuring equal access to financial support.
Upgrading Tvet Institutions
In addition to funding, the government is evaluating Tvet institutions that can be upgraded to national polytechnics.
Dr. Muoria expressed hope that improved funding and facilities would bolster enrollment and elevate the status of institutions like TTNP.
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She reiterated the importance of local leadership in ensuring that enrollment targets are met to secure enhanced funding and development opportunities for these institutions.
Key Features of the New Tvet Funding Model
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Scholarship Amount | Sh85,000 for all Tvet students |
| Target Institutions | Tvet institutions across the country |
| Objective | Address financial challenges for Tvet students and improve enrollment rates |
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