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The state department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is seeking an additional Sh18.5 billion for capitation, recruitment and promotion of trainers and equipping of various institutions.

 Of the money, Sh1.3 billion is for recruitment of trainers, Sh15.2 billion is for equipping completed institutions while Sh2 billion is for technical training financing.

 In a presentation made before the National Assembly’s Education Committee that is scrutinizing the 2023/2024 budget, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the ministry requires additional funds to complete all projects including the stalled ones.

Lack of equipment

 “The funding constraints under capitation, recruitment and promotion of trainers and lack of equipment in 70 newly completed institutions are key priority unfunded areas that require resources,” reads the presentation.

 Machogu told the committee that the State department has an acute shortage of trainers currently standing at 5,417 trainers.

 The Minister said the Public Service Commission (PSC) has given an approval to recruit 3,000 trainers, estimated to cost Sh1.992 billion, in the 2023/24 financial year yet the state department was allocated a paltry Sh720 million leaving a balance of Sh1.27 billion. 

In March, PSC announced that 588 degree holders, 398 higher diploma holders, and 314 certificate holders would be hired to work as trainers in the department.

 The most sought tutors include those trained in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering (Power), Surveying, Architectural, Building and Civil Engineering and Medical Laboratory Technology.

 The tutors will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms.