Technical Vocational Education and Training institutes (TVETs) have been encouraged to diversify their funding sources by investing in revenue-generating projects to ensure long-term sustainability. This call to action was made by the TVET Authority (TVETA) Director General (DG) Dr. Kipkirui Langat during the dissemination of the TVET institution quality audit report for the year 2022/23 for Western Kenya, held at Alupe University.
Dr. Langat highlighted that approximately 30% of Kenya’s national budget is allocated to the education sector. This allocation supports TVETs in infrastructure development, student capitation, and scholarships. While these investments have successfully increased enrolment rates within TVET institutions, Dr. Langat emphasized the urgency for TVETs to seek alternative revenue streams to reduce dependency on government funding.
“Part of this money is given to TVETs for improvement of infrastructure, capitation, and scholarships to students,” stated Dr. Langat. “However, to support the ongoing growth and development of the sector, stakeholders must explore sustainable funding solutions. Relying solely on the exchequer is not a viable long-term strategy.”
Dr. Langat noted that continuous reliance on government funding is unsustainable as it might reach a point where the government could no longer support the sector adequately. To mitigate this risk, TVETA leadership is actively engaging with development partners and industries to identify opportunities for TVET institutions to generate their own resources.
One proposed solution involves TVETs producing goods and services for public consumption. By leveraging their technical expertise and facilities, TVETs can create valuable products and services, thus generating income while providing practical training for their students. This approach not only fosters financial independence but also enhances the practical skills of students, making them more employable in the competitive job market.
The call for TVETs to invest in revenue-generating projects aligns with broader efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of vocational education in Kenya. As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow, TVETs play a crucial role in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to drive economic development.
