The government upgraded five technical training institutes (TTIs) to national polytechnics yesterday during a Cabinet meeting to enhance access to higher education.
In the Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, Michuki TTI, Mitunguu TTI, Ol’lessos TTI, Nairobi TTI, and Friends College of Research and Technology in Kaimosi were promoted.
The executive action will increase the number of national polytechnics from twenty three to twenty eight.
In August 29, 2023, the government also elevated 13 technical and vocational colleges to national polytechnics.
The national polytechnics in Kenya are established under the Kenyan Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act, No. 29 of 2013.
The Cabinet Secretary of education establishes a national polytechnic by an order that officially constitutes the polytechnic.
National polytechnics are authorized to offer education levels from artisan, craft, diploma and higher diploma. However, they can offer undergraduate courses in collaboration with accredited universities.
When it comes to management, councils govern national polytechnics while a Board of Governors (BoG) suffices for TTIs.
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13 Technical and Vocational Colleges upgraded to National Polytechnic status
The Cabinet statement issued on Thursday indicated that the upgrading of the five institutions will prepare every Kenyan for the expanding opportunities both at home and abroad.
The meeting further noted that Kenya was negotiating additional bilateral labour agreements to expand its labour export market beyond the traditional destinations of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. New potential markets under negotiation include Russia, Poland and Jordan.
The opportunities encompass a wide range of roles, including professional, skilled and unskilled positions such as nurses, aged-care workers, and teachers specializing in Science, Mathematics, English and Physical Education, as well as culinary artists and chefs, drivers and other unspecialized roles.
The government encouraged all eligible Kenyans to seize these opportunities, which would not only create pathways for employment but also facilitate skills and technology transfer to Kenya. A new wave of recruitment will take place between November 18 and December 6, 2024.
By Obegi Malack
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