The National Assembly’s Committee on Education is pushing for urgent reforms in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector after a nationwide inspection of 27 national polytechnics revealed major challenges, including unresolved land ownership issues and lack of basic infrastructure.
Speaking during a meeting with the Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, MPs expressed concern that 147 TVET institutions still do not have title deeds, making it difficult to develop the institutions and protect them from land disputes.
“Out of the 147, 12 institutions are in court over land matters, 16 are awaiting adjudication, and 37 are affected by succession issues,” said Dr. Muoria. She added that the State Department is working with the Ministry of Lands and county governments to resolve the issues in line with a presidential directive to secure title deeds for all public institutions.
The MPs highlighted the example of Kiambu National Polytechnic, which sits on 196 acres of land donated by the community but has received a title for only 70 acres.
The lawmakers also raised the alarm over high assessment fees charged by the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC), saying the charges are locking out trainees from completing their courses.
“CDACC assessment fees are a real burden. Trainees are struggling to register, and this threatens their ability to complete their training. The government must step in to subsidize these costs,” said MP Nabii Nabwera.
Committee Chairperson MP Julius Melly added: “The way these assessments are being handled is unacceptable. We need proper training, logistics, and affordable, credible exams. TVETs must be accessible to all.”
MP Rebecca Tonkei echoed the concern, stressing that many trainees come from low-income backgrounds and need support.
The Committee also pointed to governance problems, including delays in appointing governing councils and leadership wrangles in some institutions. MPs called for stronger oversight and streamlined management of TVETs.
According to documents presented to the Committee, 238 constituencies have at least one TVET institution, with 52 constituencies still lacking one. Plans are underway to establish new institutions in phases, beginning with 15 in 2025.
Dr. Muoria said development partners such as the World Bank, through the EASTRIP project, are supporting centers of excellence in Meru (Building Technology), Kisumu (Textile and Garment Making), and Mombasa (Marine and Blue Economy).
Vice Chairperson MP Eve Obara pressed the State Department to prioritize learners with disabilities. “What steps are you taking to ensure infrastructure is inclusive and assistive devices are available?” she asked.
PS Muoria responded: “We have upgraded four institutions to cater for special needs: Machakos TTI for the Blind, Karen TTI for the Deaf, St. Joseph’s Nyangoma TTI, and Sikiri TTI. Other institutions are also receiving assistive infrastructure.”
MPs raised concern over poor conditions in institutions like Tseikuru National Polytechnic and Garissa National Polytechnic, calling for urgent government intervention.
“Students are being taught using outdated or borrowed equipment. How do we expect them to compete in the modern job market?” asked Tonkei.
MP Abdul Haro added: “Tseikuru and Garissa polytechnics are in a dilapidated state. You must allocate funds urgently to fix these institutions.”
The MPs urged the State Department to establish a clear policy to guide the growth of TVETs and avoid pitfalls seen in public universities.
“We need a comprehensive policy to manage TVETs. They are doing well despite budget constraints and should not end up like public universities burdened by debt,” warned Hon. Dick Maungu.
The Committee also called for the speedy creation of the TVET Trainers Council to oversee the welfare, remuneration, and professional development of trainers.
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