TVET Enrolment Drops: Parliament Calls for More Student Recruitment.
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education (PIC-G&E) has called on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to intensify student recruitment and public awareness campaigns amid concerns over declining enrolment levels.
The committee stated that increased enrolment in TVET institutions would support the development of a skilled workforce required for Kenya’s industrialisation agenda, youth employment creation and economic transformation.
The call was issued by the committee chaired by Luanda Member of Parliament Dick Maungu during a meeting with the management of several public TVET institutions held as part of the examination of Auditor-General reports covering the 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 financial years.
The institutions represented during the engagement included Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Bunyala Technical and Vocational College, Mukurweini Technical and Vocational College, Ndia Technical and Vocational College, and Kipipiri Technical and Vocational College.
Concerns Over Declining TVET Enrolment
The committee noted that several TVET institutions have experienced reduced student enrolment, with the decline attributed to delayed government capitation and financial challenges affecting prospective students’ ability to meet tuition requirements.
Dick Maungu stated that concerns affecting TVET institutions, including delayed capitation and declining enrolment, had been raised with the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
“We recently met the Cabinet Secretary for Education and raised concerns affecting TVET institutions, including delayed capitation and declining enrolment. While government addresses these challenges, principals must also step up public awareness campaigns to attract more students to their institutions,” said Maungu.
The committee acknowledged ongoing government interventions aimed at addressing financial constraints affecting the institutions but urged TVET principals to adopt proactive measures in promoting technical and vocational training opportunities.
TVETs Identified as Key to Industrialisation Agenda
The committee stated that thousands of students who do not secure university placement annually could pursue technical and vocational training programmes that provide industry-relevant skills and career opportunities.
Maungu noted that TVET institutions remain central to developing the technical workforce required to support Kenya’s industrial and economic development priorities.
“As you are aware, TVETs play a central role in developing the skilled workforce needed for industrialisation and economic growth,” Maungu added.
The government has continued to increase investment in technical and vocational education as part of efforts to equip young people with practical skills required in sectors including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, information technology and other industries.
Committee Calls for Increased Public Awareness and Partnerships
The committee urged TVET principals to strengthen public awareness initiatives to provide potential students with information on available courses, training opportunities and career pathways.
Kilome Member of Parliament Thaddeus Nzambia stated that sustained community outreach programmes would assist in addressing information gaps affecting enrolment in technical institutions.
“Many young people are missing opportunities simply because they are unaware of the courses available in our TVET institutions. Principals must take the training to the people through sustained outreach and career awareness campaigns,” said Nzambia.
The committee members further encouraged TVET institutions to collaborate with Members of Parliament to expand access to financial support through bursaries and scholarships provided under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Nzambia added that partnerships between institutional leaders and legislators would support students facing financial barriers.
“Work hand in hand with your Members of Parliament. Through NG-CDF bursaries and scholarships, we can ensure that no deserving student is locked out of technical and vocational training because of financial constraints,” he said.
Sigalagala National Polytechnic Recognised for Growth
During the engagement, the committee commended Sigalagala National Polytechnic for its institutional growth, financial management practices and implementation of development projects.
The committee attributed the institution’s expansion to prudent financial management under the leadership of Chief Principal Evans Bosire.
Maungu stated that student enrolment at Sigalagala National Polytechnic had increased from approximately 5,000 students to more than 17,000 students during Bosire’s tenure.
The institution was also recognised for implementing internally funded development projects valued at more than Sh200 million.
“This is a clear demonstration that when public resources are managed prudently, institutions can expand, improve infrastructure and deliver quality training without compromising accountability,” said Maungu.
TVET Institutions Covered During Committee Engagement
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education held engagements with the following Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions:
- Sigalagala National Polytechnic
- Bunyala Technical and Vocational College
- Mukurweini Technical and Vocational College
- Ndia Technical and Vocational College
- Kipipiri Technical and Vocational College
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Conclusion
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has maintained that increased enrolment in TVET institutions will be critical in developing Kenya’s skilled workforce, reducing youth unemployment and supporting long-term economic development objectives.
The committee has directed TVET institutional leadership to enhance recruitment strategies, expand public awareness campaigns and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to improve access to technical and vocational training.
TVET Enrolment Drops: Parliament Calls for More Student Recruitment.
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