Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education have lauded the growing enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, calling for a concerted push to meet the government’s directive of enrolling at least 20,000 trainees in each national polytechnic.
During an inspection visit to Mawego National Polytechnic in Homabay County, the Committee acknowledged the institution’s rapid growth in the student population—from 3,000 to over 8,000 learners.
The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly, praised the progress, saying, “This growth shows the confidence the community has in this institution. We must continue to support this momentum.”
At Kisii National Polytechnic, Chief Principal Mr. John Akola reported an enrollment of 12,768 and efforts underway to reach the 20,000 mark. “We are putting up measures to increase enrollment in line with the Ministry’s directive,” he said.
Other institutions also recorded rising numbers include Sigalagala National Polytechnic with 15,851 trainees, followed by Kitale National Polytechnic (12,248), Ollessos National Polytechnic (11,269), and Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (6,257).
Lawmakers also lauded the increasing enrollment of female students in TVETs, noting that the gender gap is narrowing rapidly. “It is encouraging to see more young women embracing technical education,” said Hon. Melly.
According to the Ministry of Education, the 20,000-enrollment target for each national polytechnic is part of a broader government plan to equip one million youth annually with technical and vocational skills by 2030, in line with Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking on the curicullum, Hon. Christine Ombaka urged institutions to deepen community outreach. “Why don’t you engage and reach out to locals who have the skills but not the certificates? RPL gives them a second chance,” she said.
The Committee praised TVETs for embracing skill-based training and modular short courses, with a growing uptake of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs among skilled workers and community members, particularly during holidays.
Mawego Principal Dr. John Abuto confirmed the institution is actively involved in construction projects through the Affordable Housing Programme and is championing sustainability. “We are a green university; we plant trees and involve our students in practical projects,” said Dr. Abuto.
Dr. Abuto also noted challenges in the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC). “The assessments are good for building skills, but the cost is high. We print exam materials and supervise the process ourselves,” he explained.
A section of the Committee also visited Tseikuru National Polytechnic and North Eastern National Polytechnic.
Led by Committee Vice Chair, Hon. Eve Obara, legislators noted with concern that some TVETS are operating without necessary workshops and equipment meant to give skill and knowledge to students.
During an inspection visit at the Tseikuru National Polytechnic in Kitui County and North Eastern National Polytechnic in Garissa County, lawmakers were surprised that Tseikuru National Polytechnic has never had a graduation of its students since it started 10 years ago.
The Committee on Education resolved to summon the Cabinet Secretary for Education Migos Ogamba to shed light on why National Polytechnics have been neglected.
