Youths in Trans Nzoia County have been advised to take advantage of the increased capitation in Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) to acquire technical skills essential for solving emerging global challenges. The County Director of VTCs, Eluid Lusweti, urged communities to support student enrollment in the county’s over 28 vocational institutions.
Speaking at Kapomboi VTC on Tuesday, where he handed over a generator to enhance power stability, Mr. Lusweti challenged the public to change their mindset that VTCs are meant for those who failed in their primary school exams. He disclosed that the Department of Education has provisions for bursaries for needy students but decried that despite this, the enrollment rate remains low.
Mr. Lusweti highlighted that the county administration had increased the capitation for VTCs from Kes 7 million last year to Kes 45 million this financial year to support technical training in the institutions.
The sentiments were echoed by Kapomboi area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kefa Were, who called on parents and students to change their attitudes toward vocational training. The MCA noted that technical skills are relevant in conventional society, with job opportunities available both nationally and internationally in fields such as masonry, plumbing, tailoring, electrical, and carpentry, among others.
“From next year, the county government will pay Kes 18,000 as capitation for every student joining VTCs within the county, and the parents will only be called upon to pay Kes 7,000 per year,” said Were. He added that this payment is meant to support the school management in running the institutions, including the feeding program for the students at the training centers.
The MCA urged parents to support the youths in getting technical skills by paying their school fees or providing food and non-food items, including maize and firewood, if they do not have cash.
Board Chairperson Philip Yego highlighted some challenges faced by the institution, such as the inability of students to pay school and exam registration fees, resulting in many students missing their final examinations. He hailed the county administration for providing a power generator, noting that it will support practical lessons that require power.
Deputy Director of VTCs Eric Wanyonyi called on the institution’s management to uphold high standards of accountability, emphasizing value for money. He challenged the Board of Management to develop strategic plans to help in day-to-day operations.
Quality Assurance Officer George Sitati urged the institution’s management to consider other revenue-generating ventures to assist in running the institution. He suggested that VTCs venture into making school garments for ECDE students using available machines, which would help generate income for some of its activities.
The institution’s manager reported a current enrollment of 66 learners, with 69 having sat for their national examinations, two of whom attained first-class honors. The manager highlighted some of the institution’s achievements, including the fencing and construction of a modern school gate and the purchase of furniture for the institution.
Key Points:
- Increased capitation for VTCs in Trans Nzoia from Kes 7 million to Kes 45 million.
- Encouragement for communities to support student enrollment in vocational institutions.
- Emphasis on changing mindsets about VTCs and the value of technical skills.
- Capitation payments to support school management and reduce financial burdens on parents.
- Call for high standards of accountability and strategic planning in VTC management.
- Exploration of revenue-generating ventures to support VTC operations and activities.
