The government has effected transfers ,promotions and deployment of acting and serving principals of Vocational technical training institutes ,colleges and Polytechnics.
The changes which were confirmed by education Cs George Magoha are aimed at serving the newly launched institutions, filling vacancies left by retired principals while others were on compassionate basis
The deployment has affected both Principals who are managing top national polytechnics and county/sub- county level Technical Vocational Colleges.
A good number of Deputy Principals and Heads of Departments (HODs) have also been affected by the ongoing reshuffle.
- Kabete National Polytechnic trainer Nicholas Muriuk has been deployed to Ndia Technical Vocational College as principal.
- Thika Technical Institute deputy principal Mbeke Kioko now becomes Kibwezi Technical Vocational College principal. He replaces the current principal whose transfer was approved during an earlier Ministerial Human Resource Management Advisory Committee meeting.
- Shadrack Tonui, the Chepalungu Technical Vocational College principal, moves, in the same capacity, to Kericho Technical Vocational College, whose former principal died.
- Daniel Nyariki has been transferred from Gitwebe TTI to Ziwa TVC, Isaac Bwambok from Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) to Masai TTI,
- Charles Koech from Kaiboi to Eldoret National Polytechnic.
- Mr Wilson Kimugul was transferred from Kipkabus TVC to Turkana East TVC, Dr. Rosebela Chuku from Ol’lessos to Sangalo, Harun Maossa from Konoin TVC to Keroka TTI, Loice Yator from Sang’alo to RVTTI.
- Grace Mauti who has been serving as the Deputy Principal ,Kisii National Polytechnic has been promoted to Principal at Kendege TVC,The institution’s Dean of Students Nicodemus Mirioba has been promoted to be principal of Riamo Technical Vocational College.
The latest deployment comes one year after a previous one which was done in September 2020.
Mass Recruitment of Tutors
The government plans to hire 3,000 trainers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions next year.
Margaret Mwakima, the Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training, stated that the new trainers will include 1,000-degree holders and 2,000 diploma graduates.
She stated that the government employed 3,000 teachers last year, with 2,000 having a bachelor’s degree and 1,000 having a diploma.
Speaking to technical trainers at the Pride Inn Beach Resort in Mombasa during a workshop on human resource management organized by the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (Katti), Dr. Mwakima directed that the Competency-Based TVET(CBET) curriculum be fully implemented next year (2022) in order to promote skill development.
The TVET trainers were transferred from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for training as the government focuses on transforming the sector to produce more young people with relevant technical skills.
“We have also developed the criteria for the promotion of technical trainers and it will be implemented in full,” said Mwakima, adding that registrars and trainers in acting capacity will be confirmed.
She stated that capital grants for students at TVET institutions will be distributed early in order to ensure the smooth operation of the colleges.
According to Katti chairperson Glory Mutungi, TVET teachers had a major setback after facing transfer from The teachers Service Commission to Public Service Commission since their promotions stalled, and many of them served on the same grade for many years, while others died or retired while waiting for higher job grades.
“We are looking forward to the document on promotion to be fully implemented,” she said.
She advocated for the hiring of more trainers in order to address a critical shortage in TVET institutions.
She also urged the ministry to expand TVET institutions so that more students can be accommodated as the competency-based curriculum is implemented in TVET institutions.
To avoid congestion, we need funds for expansion,” she said, adding that the sector deserved its own ministry.
Mwakima, on the other hand, stated that the government is currently focused on completing ongoing projects before the General Election next year.
Mr. Noor advised the trainers to begin planning for retirement as soon as possible in order to avoid mental anguish and frustration when they leave the public sector.
Officials also warned technical trainers not to engage in partisan politics during this election season.
She also cautioned the technical trainers to not join any political formations, as they must remain loyal to the government.
It’s good that tsc has promoted some teachers and also transferred principals and deputies. But surely, tsc has forgotten to act on inter- county transfers for the classroom teachers who requested for the same online. How effective is this online teacher transfer?
Something must be terribly wrong within the ministry of Education! How comes, nearly all these principals are from only two tribes, the Kalenjin and the Kikuyu?