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Kwale TVET students benefit from Sh10m grant

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani hands over bursaries to TVET students on March 13, 2024. (Photo: Governors Press)

By Mishi Gongo | 14 Mar 2024

The governor on Wednesday launched a TVET centre at Kingwede Ramisi Ward in Msambweni sub-county.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani on Wednesday launched a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centre at Kingwede Ramisi Ward in Msambweni sub-county. The institution is set to open its doors officially in April.

At the event, the governor issued a Sh10 million grant for the financial year 2023/2024 for all the students who will join vocational training centres in Kwale as part of the initiative to encourage the youths to pursue technical courses that will enable them to be self-employed.

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The grant is in the form of school fees support.

While opening the centre, the governor urged youths to enrol in TVETs built by the county to enable them to acquire skills that are relevant to the current job market.

"As a government, I encourage youth to make use of these facilities to acquire skills that can make them financially independent. Technical courses can help you create self-employment as well as acquire employment elsewhere," she said.

"It is upon the parents to encourage our youths to do technical courses."

Kingwede residents during the launch of the TVET centre on March 13, 2024. (Photo: Governors Press)

On the issue of tutors' shortage, the governor said the national government has begun the hiring process to ensure TVETs are well equipped.

Current enrollment

She said the current enrollment stands at 4,193 students across 41 vocational training centres (VTCs) in Kwale which have 132 instructors.

Governor Achani's sentiments were echoed by Msambweni MCA Hanifa Mwajirani and Msambweni assistant county commissioner Denis Juma who said her administration is keen on uplifting the education standards in the county.

One of the beneficiaries of the county bursaries, Hamisi Mahaba, said he is grateful that through it, his dreams of becoming a renowned carpenter will be realised.

"I finished secondary education in 2018 and attained a mean grade of C plain. My parents had no means of taking me to college but now I am confident that I will be able to finish my dream course," he said.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani during the launch of the TVET centre on March 13, 2024. (Photo: Governors Press)

Another beneficiary, Amina Nundu, said she had lost hope of ever joining a college, but with the new institution and a bursary, her hopes have been renewed.

Some locals however criticised the governor's initiative saying she ought to equip the available institutions rather than building more which lack equipment.

"The money used to build new institutions could have been used to furnish the available ones and pay the tutors rather than construct new ones," said Ali Chibanzi, a resident.

The Kwale VTCs currently are offering several courses including carpentry, electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, fashion and design, beauty therapy, hairdressing, welding, masonry, plumbing, building technology, ICT, Secretariat and blue economy-related courses among others.

During the launch, the governor was accompanied by CEC Finance Bakari, chief officers Walter Shikeli Badru (Roads), Salim Zimbu (Education), Juma Nzao, Political Advisor Mshenga Ruga, Directors and other senior government officials.