Nyahururu: The government will allocate Sh131 million to facilitate the construction of a tuition block at Nyandarua National Polytechnic in its program to upgrade national polytechnics and technical institutes. Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos, announced the allocation during the 2nd Nyandarua National Polytechnic graduation ceremony since its upgrade to a national polytechnic.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Polytechnic will also benefit from the construction of 1,500 units of hostels to accommodate students under the affordable housing program. Migos praised the institution for creating a conducive environment for learners. Nationally, the government aims to increase enrollment at TVET institutions from the current 700,000 to 2 million by next year.
Migos emphasized the government's investment in modernizing equipment and establishing more institutions for greater range and inclusion. Through a student-centered funding model, financial support in the form of scholarships and loans is provided based on need, ensuring no student is excluded due to lack of resources. The government is making strategic investments in resources and policies to ensure that the TVET system is a key driver of socio-economic development.
Regarding secondary education, Migos noted the Kenya Kwanza government has allocated funds for constructing 1,600 laboratories in schools lacking such facilities to prepare for the STEM Pathways in senior schools. He assured that public funds entrusted to the ministry are being used accountably and highlighted an ongoing verification exercise to guide the disbursement of capitation, aiming to prevent resource wastage through incorrect data.
On the lecturers' strike, Migos confirmed the government has released Sh2.73 billion to universities for the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement, with funds expected in university accounts by the end of Friday. He urged lecturers to resume their duties and engage in constructive dialogue to address grievances, as directed by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
The graduation ceremony, attended by CS Tourism Rebecca Miano and Principal Secretary State Department for TVET Dr. Esther Muoria, celebrated the graduation of over 1,500 students.