March 9, 2024

Dual Training System In TVETs To Bridge The Skills Gap Among The Youth, Machogu

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has said that the adoption of the Dual Training System in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will combat poverty and bridge the skills gap among the youth.

Mr Machogu said the dual training system is a new system that is in line with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) module for TVETs anchored in incorporating practical skills and knowledge from industries to trainees besides theories taught in the classrooms.

The CS said this in a speech read on his behalf by State Department for TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria during the 5th Graduation ceremony of Michuki Technical Training Institute in Murang’a County on Friday, where some 1673 grandauds were conferred with Diplomas and Certificates in various TVET disciplines.

Machogu said TVET skilling is one of the most significant tools in combating poverty and bridging the skills gaps and thus the implementation of CBET continues to be key.

‘In ensuring that the TVET t
rainees are fully skilled, the Ministry of Education has continued to ensure that the implementation of CBET takes root in the TVET institutes to address unemployment and skills gap among the youth,’ he said.

Machogu said through the curriculum reforms, graduates would largely be exposed to necessary skills, knowledge, and aptitudes required to make sure that they are best placed to join the job market rather than theory-based education.

The CS noted that the Government has partnered with industries and institutions to roll out the Dual Training system to ensure that students train 50 to 70 percent of their time in industry to enable them to gain practical skills and industrial exposure.

‘We want to provide our youth with apprenticeships and internships in the industries so that they can acquire skills, have the opportunity to be exposed to actual work conditions, and get hands-on experience and guidance from the already qualified professionals,’ said Machogu.

He observed that in the broader concept of gl
obal development, the importance of technical and vocational education cannot be overstated and the TVET sector is a key player in fostering innovation in science and technology which are fundamental elements of economic growth.

‘The implementation of the new system by the government aims to enhance success and equity to education. This updated system is designed to provide equal opportunities to all youth regardless of their backgrounds,’ he said.

The CS urged the graduates to embrace the spirit of innovation and creativity keeping in mind that their education equipped them not only to seek employment but also create opportunities for themselves and others.

‘Your graduation marks not just your culmination of your academic journey but the beginning of a new phase where you must put into practice the knowledge and skills that you have learned,’ he said, adding that their success is a call to service and contribution to the nation’s development.

On her part, Dr Muoria, reiterated the profound benefits of th
e dual training system citing that this approach does not only equip our trainees with practical skills, but it also bridges the gap between training and industry exposure.

‘The new training modality enables trainees to acquire work ethics and learn the culture of the industry in the process of learning the needed skills,’ she said, adding CBET is a key driver in revolutionising the TVET sector and boosting the output of the young workforce.

The Principal Secretary (PS) observed that the department has received a lot of requests from different countries across the globe for young people to go and work in those nations because their populations are aging.

‘My department has put in place an industrial liaison database of all the graduates, so that when such opportunities arise, we will be in a position to assist the graduates get jobs in order to empower them economically,’ she said.

The PS lauded the institute for launching their strategic plan for the year 2023-2027 which will enable the institution to ac
hieve its vision of bridging the gap between academic, knowledge and practical skills thus producing competent graduates for the ever-evolving industry.

Anne Mbogo, the Chief Principal the Institute said that last year in September, the Institution embraced CBET and started off by offering 41 CBET curriculums in their learning programmes.

The principal said that with regards to the dual training system, the institution has started mapping up industries and partners and they are planning for sensitisation of the stakeholders so that together they can be able to train the students to enhance their employability.

Mbogo divulged that the institution has churned out qualified and competent skilled graduates serving in various sectors of our country over the years, a testament to the trust and confidence parents and sponsors alike have with the school.

‘We celebrate our trainers whose tireless efforts have gone to equipping the trainees with the necessary skills and discipline for a holistic TVET graduate,’ she
said adding that the institute is committed to bridging the gap between academics, knowledge and practical skills.

She said the institute has a current student enrolment of 5179 trainees. The enrolment has been increasing rapidly in the last 4 years owing to support from the government and the institution’s commitment in implementing their strategic plan.

Source: Kenya News Agency

March 9, 2024

Education PS Wants Part Of The Pending Bills For Public Varsities Waived

Ministry of Education is consulting with Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to have part of the huge pending bill facing Public Universities which now stands at over Sh75bllion waived, State Department for Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Muganda Inyangala has said.

Dr Inyangala said the report on the pending bills is now with the Pending Bills Committee and they were also discussing with Treasury and other stakeholders through a committee that was formed to see if Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) can be allowed to waive the dues owed from Statutory deductions which were not remitted such as Pay As You Earn and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) due to lack of funds so that the universities can pay the other debts such as those owed to suppliers among others.

‘We are also looking at escalating the issue of these pending bills to the Cabinet,’ she said.

The PS was speaking to the media in Naivasha on Friday on the sidelines of a meeting with the local universities’ Vice-c
hancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors (Academics) of all the universities in the country to deliberate on the preparation for the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) ahead of the entry of the first cohort under the revamped curriculum in the year 2029. It was organised by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

The Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu was recently quoted saying the pending bills now totaling to Sh 82billion has accrued in the 32 public universities for over five to six years due to inadequate funding from the Government.

At that time the Government was using Differentiated Unit Cost (DOC) where the Government would pay 80 per cent of the total cost of the course being undertaken by every student regardless of their social- economic standing and the cost of the course being undertaken.

He noted that that due to inadequate funding, only 68 per cent of the total funding required by public universities was disbursed in that period of six years leading to
accumulation of debts. But Dr Inyangala says the new funding model being used now has seen the Universities receive Sh 38billion more in their budget.

The increased funding, Dr Inyangala said is geared towards meeting the increased demands of facilitating and accommodating growing student numbers joining universities as well as enacting new programmes that meet jobs market demands for graduates.

Around 563,000 students were enrolled in universities in Kenya during the academic year 2022/23. The number increased from roughly 562,100 enrolled in universities in Kenya as at the beginning of the 2021 /22 academic year. Public universities rely largely on government subsidies to run their operations.

According to the funding report of the 2023/24 financial year from the Treasury, public universities received an allocation of Sh44,023,955,000 against a requirement Sh71,945,049,600 leaving a deficit of Sh27,921,094,600. This leaves the varsities with a deepening budget deficit totaling to Sh49billion.

But Presid
ent Ruto was also quoted saying the Government will increase budgetary allocation to universities to Sh84billion during the 2023/24 fiscal year, which is an increase of 56 per cent but this funding has been faced with the challenge of shortage of enough funds at the Treasury.

During the media briefing, the PS said the Council of University Education is spearheading the roadmap for implementation of the CBC curriculum at Universities preparation ahead of the implementation of CBC system by 2029 when the first lot will join university.

Dr Inyangala said local institutions of higher learning continue to put in place adequate preparation measures to align their teaching curriculum to ensure it corresponds to the needs and creative demands of the new education system.

Consequently, she noted universities are consolidating their strengths towards instituting pathways for the implementation of CBC programmes that focuses on issues of sports science, creative arts, Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) with a
view to nurture young talents.

The PS stated that the Commission of University Education(CUE) has drafted and adopted guidelines that will enable institutions to implement milestones to be achieved before learners under the new system join tertiary institutions.

CUE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Professor Mike Kuria on his part said universities continue to put more emphasis on teacher education guidelines to guide and the review of existing curriculum to align them with the needs and demands of the CBC system.

On increased demand for extra funding from the exchequer, the CEO said local universities continue to lead the charge for resource mobilisation as well as sourcing for alternative funding including research proposals and grant sourcing from within the country and without in a bid to help the varsities.

In addition, Prof Kuria decried the shortage of professors and teaching fraternity with Doctorates of Philosophy (PHDs) noting that the government’s move to meet the demand for 1,000 PhD. students fr
om local universities annually has not been realised due to their inadequate capacity.

He however said universities continue to implement new policies to enhance their human capacity including sponsoring their teaching staff to undertake doctorate studies abroad to ensure the country meets quality standards by reducing the teacher-student ratio.

The CEO reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensure universities meet the quality of training irrespective of where they are offered so that the labour market gets the manpower it requires.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology’s ((JKUAT) Prof Victoria Wambui Ngumi said her institution will continues to lead the charge in preparing and aligning systems, and teaching programmes to the new CBC system.

She said the university continues to enhance their collaboration with other local and international institutions in terms of writing proposals for research and to boost their grants base for extra resources.

Source: Kenya News Agency

March 9, 2024

Ethiopia’s Obtaining of Seaport Crucial to Boost Mutual Benefits in Entire Region: Jigjiga University PresidentSwapo Central Committee convened to plan for the future

Realizing Ethiopia’s quest for seaport will enhance mutual benefits and trade ties in the entire region, President of Jigjiga University, Beshir Abdullahi Mohammoud said.

Addressing a panel discussion jointly organized by Jigjiga University and Institute of Foreign Affairs today, Beshir said Ethiopia’s quest to seapor is of paramoun imprtance to trade integration in the region.

Stating that Ethiopia’s obtaining of seaport is vital for countries in the region to work together for economic benefits, he further noted that seaport is important to reduce the high cost of export and import items and attract foreign investment.

Getting seaport for Ethiopia is also crucial to enhance trade activities especially in the eastern part of the country and benefit the people, the president said.

To this end, the university will carry out research and diplomatic activities for the realization of the country’s effort for seaport, he affirmed.

Presenting a paper at the panel discussion, Director General of Europe and Amer
ica Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Researcher at the Institute, Dareskedar Taye said that securing seaport is an existential matter for Ethiopia.

Stating that Ethiopia has plenty of reasons to get a seaport, he said, among others, geopolitical, natural, historical, economical, international laws and security issues.

In addition, countries which are landlocked and have seaports do not have equal voice on international stage, the director general said, adding that scholars need to play their role in the country’s effort for acquiring a seaport.

Inclusive diplomacy, discussion on win-win approach, working with regional and continental organizations, integrating the region with hydro power, engaging scholars and the media have enormous contribution for acquiring Ethiopia’s quest for seaport, he pointed out.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

WINDHOEK: The Swapo Party held an extraordinary meeting of its central committee on Saturday, which, according to Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was meant to carry on the party’s work following the death of its president, Hage Geingob.

The central committee, which is the ruling party’s highest decision-making body, convened for the first time following President Hage Geingob’s death early last month.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Geingob demise left the Swapo Party with a leadership vacuum.

‘Our nation and the Swapo Party are poorer without the visionary leadership of comrade Geingob. We have lost a leader with an exemplary sense of duty and mission,’ she said.

However, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed confidence that the former liberation movement will find a solution ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections later this year.

‘During difficult moments and pitfalls in our history, including the passing of Comrade Hage Geingob, which left us without a president, we, the rank and file of the Swapo Party,
have always been able to demonstrate cohesion, organisational integrity, and unity,’ she said.

The central committee was expected to consider the recommendations of the politburo, which met three times since Geingob’s death on the 4th of February to discuss the way forward.

‘In the process, some possible challenges that may have a bearing on our party on how to move forward without our president were identified. However, as tested leaders of the party, we must employ our political wisdom and willpower to overcome those identified challenges, thus enabling our party to fulfill its longtime mission of serving the Namibian people effectively and efficiently at all times,’ said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She added that the rank and file of Swapo look up to the central committee, ‘which is the political centre that holds our party together to provide leadership and for the Swapo Party to remain more united and strong in the execution of our national responsibilities. I have no doubt in my mind that the central committee o
f the Swapo Party has the capacity and ability to do what is expected of it.’

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

March 9, 2024

Multi-Agency Team Formed To Reinforce The Fight Against Illicit Brew

A multi-agency team has been formed to reinforce the fight against illicit brewing in Narok County in a bid to wipe out the illegal drinks in the county.

Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia said he will lead the joint team consisting of police officers, village elders, and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), who will be carrying out impromptu visits in different points notorious for selling the drinks.

Commissioner Lotiatia said no one will be spared in the fight, noting that most of the illegal dens are owned by police officers and other senior government officials.

‘Some of the people who have been operating without license are police officers, I want to remind them that no police officer will be allowed to operate any alcoholic business as they are the ones who are supposed to enforce the law against illegal drinks,’ said the commissioner.

He reminded stakeholders that only those with legal licenses will be allowed to operate drinking joints as their premises have been certified
to be suitable to sell alcohol.

‘No bar should be near a school or worship center. They must follow laid down regulations and ensure their drinks are certified by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA),’ he continued.

He spoke after meeting senior police officers who included Sub County Police Commanders, Officers Commanding Station (OCS), Deputy County Commissioners and Assistant County Commissioners at Maasai Mara University Hall.

Also present in the meeting was officer in charge of prosecution counsel Gitonga Murang’a, who called on the police to investigate the cases properly so that no loophole will be left during prosecution.

‘We are going to pursue an aspect of cancellation of licenses where persons are acting in breach of those licenses and acting in a manner that is not as per the license they were given’, said the prosecutor.

‘Many families are suffering from this menace hence we will play an active role as the prosecutors in pursuing these drugs and illicit alcohol’, he added.

‘We have given the admin
istrators advice on how to have solid evidence that is needed to have a case that can stand the test of time. This is because most of the cases brought in court have no evidence,’ he said.

This comes at a time when six women were fined Sh30,000 or serve a six months of imprisonment each for operating liquor premises without a valid license today.

Senior Resident Magistrate Sagero Rachemi of Narok law courts convicted the six of their own guilty pleas warning them of dire consequences if they repeated the crime.

The six were: Joyce Akinyi 30, Mary Wangari 27 Valery Nasieku, Joan Chelangat, Daisy Kemunto and Caroline Kwamboka who were arrested in different parts of the county operating liquor premises without a valid license.

Source: Kenya News Agency

March 9, 2024

Chess Kenya Incorporates Chess At Correctional Facility In Kisii

The Chess Kenya Federation has introduced chess at the Kisii Main GK Prison to improve the inmates’ quality of life.

Under the programme dubbed ‘Chess for Freedom’ recognised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the organisation has partnered with the Kisii Men and Women’s Prisons to train and organise tournaments for prisoners in correctional facilities.

Speaking during the International Women’s Day celebrations at the Kisii Women’s Prison, Chess Kenya Gender and Special Needs Secretary Rhoda Olisa said they will incorporate the Training of Trainers so that the inmates can train others once they are released.

‘Many schools are coming up and if we train our women in here, they will leave this place as reformed and better woman and get to train students on chess in schools so that they can earn income to better themselves,’ said Olisa.

The Secretary noted several individuals earn a living through teaching chess in schools and encouraged the inmates to take advantage of the opportunities in the gam
e.

Chess for Schools Committee Chairperson, Saphinah Kenyando said they had chosen to introduce chess to the correctional facility as a tool for instilling discipline among the inmates.

‘Chess enables you to exercise patience and think critically to make correct decisions, especially when you are facing a challenge. You may find an array of options and you must choose the correct ones,’ Ms Kenyando noted.

She pointed out that inmates who had played the game were able to realise that, had they made the right decision, they would not be locked up in prison.

In addition, the Chairperson noted that chess promotes education, improves the mental well-being of prisoners, and enhances strategic thinking because one must think about oneself and the opponent while playing the game.

Kenyando said they have been training the inmates for some time and will be enrolling them for the 4th Championship of World Chess in Prison tournament next year.

Notably, Kisii GK Prison is the first to launch the Chess for Freedom Pr
ogramme in Kenya and the third in the African region.

The Chess Kenya Federation organised a chess tournament at the Women’s Prison in partnership with the Office of Kisii Woman Representative, Dorice Aburi to celebrate International Women’s Day.

While awarding the winners and participants of the tournament, Kenyando pointed out the role that the awards will play in building the inmates’ self-esteem, promoting recognition, and providing a smooth reintegration into society.

The facility also received a donation of 15 chess boards from the Federation and partners at the event including Cooperative Bank, Equity Bank, Scholar Media Africa, Gusii Mental Health Awareness, Rotary Club of Kisii, Hema Hospital, and A Million Hugs among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

March 9, 2024

WRC Partners With Nakuru TVET To Offer Top Notch Rally Mechanics

The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally is considering upgrading one Technical and Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) centre to train top notch rally mechanics, in Nakuru County.

Safari Rally Kenya CEO, Charles Gacheru, has said that a Centre of Excellence to train top-notch rally mechanics was a possibility that would leave a mark in the Kenyan Motorsport industry.

Speaking when the team made a courtesy call to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Gacheru noted that WRC was the biggest sports event in Kenya that comes to the region, with Nakuru being privileged to host.

‘When the cars arrive in Kenya, they are brought straight to Nakuru at the Service Park. The top mechanics in the world get here early to receive and service the vehicles and we can plan to have them come two weeks in advance and engage them on mentorship programmes,’ added Gacheru, noting that some vehicles are assembled, oiled and fueled here by the international engineers.

He added that this year, the team was considering to h
ave the Rally Mechanics have a Children Motorsports event at Kasarani after the rally.

Governor Susan Kihika had requested the WRC to create a minisports complex in the county, to nature talents and empower locals in motorsporting.

‘As the host County, we need to be fully involved in the preparations for the event and to ensure that our people fully benefit from the event in terms of roads, casual employees, food vending, entertainment and waste management. For such a high-profile event,

Hosting this event is a big deal and we want our people do feel a difference that the county hosted the rally. Nakuru County will give its best hospitality to the rally enthusiasts,’ noted Kihika calling on rehabilitation of feeder roads, that were susceptible to traffic snarl-up.

Governor Kihika further appreciated the team for its intend to contribute some equipment to Naivasha Sub County Hospital, to equip it to handle emergencies during the event which will begin on March 27, 2024 and end on March 31.

Ministry of Spo
rts Team Leader, Evans Achoki noted that the ministry had partnered with the county government to ensure safety of spectators and motorists, as well as management of the traffic during the events.

‘We are hiring about 500 casual workers for the Hustler Bursar to serve during the rally and hope to have the county help us in licensing food vendors during the rally for safety,’ added Achoki.

Source: Kenya News Agency