Students who sat the 2024 KCSE and did not qualify for university admission have been encouraged to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to acquire practical skills.
The call comes as the country rolls out the modular Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum in TVETs. The new system allows learners to earn qualifications in stages, giving them the flexibility to join or rejoin the job market as they progress.
It also recognises prior learning, incorporates industry-based training, and emphasises practical assessments to make education more accessible and relevant.
Speaking during a sensitisation meeting for learners and parents at Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Vocational College in Mombasa, Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi, accompanied by KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Wahome, Senior officials from the State Department of Higher Education, and representatives from HELB.
The legislator underscored the importance of TVET education amid a shortage of white collar jobs. He lauded the government’s efforts in establishing TVETs in all 290 constituencies and its ambitious target of two million youths in TVETs by the end of 2025.
The MP emphasised that Technical and vocational training is not a fallback option but rather a fast track to job creation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
The learners were also urged to embrace maritime courses as the Blue Economy is rapidly emerging as the new economic frontier and a panacea for the biting unemployment.
To improve academic performance in the Coast region, the Legislator called for concerted efforts led by Education Officials and other stakeholders to investigate and resolve the root causes of poor performance.
“If you have been appointed as a Regional or County Education Director, you should compete with other regions and counties,” he said, adding that when learners fail, it will limit future opportunities for them.
He also urged the National Government Administrative Officers to ensure retention of learners in schools and monitor their academic performance as a way of addressing societal vices.
On her part, KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Wahome said they have given a second chance to learners who had not applied for courses, or those who want to revise their applications, to apply as the window for application has been opened.
“Many learners have received letters from Universities, but they have not understood that the fee structures in the letter don’t mean they are supposed to pay that money, but are showing the cost of the programme in the institution and not for the learner to pay,” she clarified.
She urged learners to be patient after submitting their application for funding to wait for HELB and the University Fund to inform them of the percentage they are supposed to pay in the fees.
“When the CS (Education) was announcing the placement, he said that the university fee has been reduced by up to 40 per cent in some programmes. This means that the amount that the parent will pay will reduce significantly,” she affirmed.
Dr. Wahome noted that the 2024 KCSE results were not satisfactory in Mombasa, calling on parents, leaders and other education stakeholders to discern the root causes of the poor performance.
“Mombasa had an average of 12 per cent qualifying to go to university. The national average was over 25 percent. What is contributing to the poor performance of learners? It is upon all stakeholders to come together,” said the CEO.
“The number is big, and those who sat for the examination are 10,000 learners. If we start to lose the youth, we will be witnessing drug abuse, consumption of alcohol and even gangs and other community vices,” she added.
She encouraged the youth to join TVETs as they are modular programmes that will enable them to work and learn at the same time.
By Sadik Hassan, Kenya News Agency.
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