By John Kariuki
The National Assembly’s Education Committee has raised concerns over the viability of the Vocational Training Bill, 2022, which seeks to provide a framework for the establishment and administration of vocational training within counties. While the Bill aims to clarify the roles of both national and county governments in vocational education, Members of the Committee expressed reservations about its practicality, particularly regarding funding and infrastructure.
During deliberations, committee members voiced dissatisfaction with the state of village polytechnics and vocational training centers, arguing that counties already struggle to finance Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers and may lack the capacity to manage Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions effectively. The Bill places the obligation on county governments to provide adequate facilities and infrastructure, including those catering to trainees with special needs.
However, with counties facing persistent financial constraints, the feasibility of implementing these provisions remains in question. The Committee urged the Bill’s sponsor to redefine the responsibilities between national and county governments in managing vocational training institutions, ensuring that the financial burden is distributed more realistically.
This debate underscores a broader challenge in Kenya’s education sector—the need for clear policy direction and sustainable funding for vocational education. TVETs play a critical role in skills development and job creation, making it essential for the government to strike a balance between decentralization and financial support to ensure their success.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether amendments to the Bill will address these concerns and provide a workable solution for strengthening vocational training in Kenya.