Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has sounded a stern warning over the fate of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.

In his sentiments, Salasya cited a Ksh12 billion capitation shortfall that he says is crippling operations and pushing learning centres toward closure.

In a post shared on X on Monday, June 16, 2025, Salasya attached a photo of students protesting outside Meru National Polytechnic, one of the affected institutions, capturing the gravity of the unfolding crisis.

He lamented the stagnation of government support, warning that the future of thousands of Kenyan youth is now hanging in the balance.

“My heart is heavy,” the legislator wrote. “Over Ksh12 billion meant for TVET capitation has not been released, and the consequences are devastating. As I speak, Meru National Polytechnic has grounded operations and crippled Meru town’s economy. Other institutions across the country are slowly suffocating.”

With students being sent home and academic calendars disrupted, Salasya is now calling on President William Ruto to take immediate action. In a bold and emotional appeal, he urged Ruto to rise above politics and prioritise emergency interventions to salvage the country’s TVET system.

“Mr. President, things are getting hotter. If things are this bad in your second year, it’s time to be honest with the country. Ask for help, bring the nation together, and call for emergency interventions,” he stated.

Salasya also pointed out what he described as misplaced government spending. He criticised state investments in “non-functional sugar factories,” “white elephant projects,” and “endless international trips,” arguing that such spending starkly contrasts with the neglect of critical education programs.

His sentiments echo growing concern over budget cuts in the education sector.

Identifying himself as “the son of a hustler,” Salasya highlighted his personal stake in the matter, saying, “I know what education means to the poor. And I will not keep quiet. TVETs must be saved, and the Ksh12 billion must be released NOW.”

By the time of this publication, the Ministry of Education had not responded to Salasya’s claims.