This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Kenya's Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has proposed reducing the duration of training in youth polytechnics and vocational training to six months.
The committee, which is touring Technical and Vocational Education and Training (T-VET) facilities across the country, cited long course periods as a major reason why many youths are shying away from vocational courses.
Committee Chairman Ali Wario, a Member of Parliament for Bura, said the reduction would enable the government to offer training in special markets, even in countries like Dubai or Qatar, where job opportunities exist.
During their tour of National Industrial Training Authority facilities and centers certified by NITA, the committee also raised concerns about low funding and outdated equipment in vocational training centers, as well as gaps in manpower.
Wario emphasized that proper funding would address these issues and make vocational training more effective.
Accompanying Wario on the tour were committee members Ronald Tanui (Bomet Central), James O K'Oyoo (Muhoroni), and Tom Odege (Nyatike).
