Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has affirmed his administration will spend Kshs 38 million on infrastructural development of all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The Governor added that another Kshs 21 million will be disbursed to the institutions to be given to students as County government capitation. “I’ve visited most of the TVET institutions in the County and established that they are in a sorry state. That’s why I’ve rolled out a programme to renovate the institutions and give them a new face,” said Ottichilo.
He was speaking at Mbale Municipal grounds during the first ever graduation ceremony for TVET students.
Pomp and colour characterized the ceremony as 522 students from 34 TVET institutions in the County graduated.
Governor Ottichilo who was accompanied by his deputy Dr Patrick Saisi said funds have been set aside to buy modern equipment for the institutions. “Nearly all the TVET centres are ill-equipped. Students are not subjected to practical learning and we are going to change that by adequately equipping the institutions,” he added.
He explained that management of the institutions has been directed to use students’ manpower in construction and renovations of the colleges so that they improve their skills and earn some money.
He added that institutions with more students will be given more money for the exercise.
He pointed out that grants to support the education of students joining the institutions were available adding that some students have already benefitted from the same.
He reiterated that TVET centres with more enrolment will be getting more capitation funds for students.
The County boss explained that all these efforts were geared towards ensuring that more students enrolled in the TVET institutions and academic standards of the centres improved.
He added that he was focused on ensuring that majority of students who drop out of school acquire technical skills that will help them be self-reliant and avoid idling at market centres.
He noted that the county had entered into an agreement with some contractors who win tenders to be giving attachment to most students from TVET institutions to boost their skills.
