The second phase of the project will benefit 135 institutions at a cost of $284 million (Sh28.8 billion)/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i says the government is in discussion with the Chinese government for the funding of the second phase of the China – Kenya Vocational Education Cooperation Project.
The second phase of the project will benefit 135 institutions at a cost of $284 million (Sh28.8 billion).
The upgrade includes equipping colleges and universities with Chinese equipment specialised for Kenya schools as well as introducing Chinese faculty and teaching materials in a bid to provide universities with education solution packages including the vocational training system layout software/hardware facility training, theoretical training and practical training.
The education solution package covers disciplines of national, industrial developing such as machinery engineering, electrical and electronics and automation control.
The first phase of the project saw 10 technical training institutions in various counties upgraded at a cost of $30 million dollars (Sh3 billion).
The institutions include Technical University of Kenya, Shamberere Technical training institute, Matili Technical Training Institute, Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology among others.
The project has been sending 54 Chinese faculties to Kenya and has trained over 15, 000 local personnel.
The project seeks to bridge the unemployment gap and expand opportunities in the blue collar jobs sector.
“Vision 2030 anticipates that Kenya will become a newly industrialised and middle income country by 2030.This is a goal that requires heavy commitment and investment. One of the main factors necessary to propel the country into realising the Vision is skilled manpower,” Matiang’i said.
The World Bank has raised concerns about the quality of graduates being produced by universities and colleges in Kenya.
According to a report released in September 2015 the bank observed that the country’s education system is failing to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills crucial for Vision 2030.
The report is called “Kenya’s Education Achievement and Challenges”.
The report cites the newly established or rebranded institutions at the Ministry of Education that are not fully functional, thus limiting their daily operations and effectiveness.
It further states that lack of data is another major problem hindering the capacity for effective planning, monitoring, management and accountability.
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