Category: Technology

Top government officials in the Kenya Kwanza government from Nyanza have launched an education kitty that will support bright but needy students from the region to access education.

Speaking during the launch of the kitty at Ambira High School in Ugunja sub-county on Saturday, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo said the initiative will complement the existing bursary schemes run by both the government and other non-state actors.

He said that this was part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to ensuring that the Kenyan child got the best education, adding that all senior officials from the government have clear instructions from the President to support education matters.

The Cabinet Secretary, who later joined the Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo at Ruma Secondary School in Rarieda where they donated a school bus and opened a digital hub, said that the bursary scheme was part of the leaders’ agenda t
o give back to the community.

He said that the kitty will be disbursing funds each year, adding that each of the four counties, Migori, Homabay, Kisumu and Siaya, will have such kitties.

During the launch at Ambira, the CS Owalo donated a total of Sh1.5 million to support the education of 100 students from Siaya County.

Former Rarieda MP, Nicholas Gumbo hailed the initiative and challenged like-minded people to support such programmes.

Gumbo pointed out that most people in the rural areas were unable to meet the rising cost of educating their children and noted that such initiatives would make a big difference in the lives of the young Kenyans.

Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo challenged learners to reciprocate the support they get from both their leaders and parents by working hard and excelling in their studies.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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

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

The Ministry of Education has completed the development of draft policy and legislative proposals for the implementation of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report and recommendations.

Consequently, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has invited stakeholders and the public to submit written memoranda on policy and legislative proposals for sustainable development in education, training, and research.

‘Pursuant to Article 10 and 232 of the Constitution on public participation, stakeholders and members of the public were encouraged to participate in the submission of any input they might have on the policy documents by March 15th, 2024,’ he stated.

In August 2023, the PWPER report was launched by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto. Chaired by Prof. Raphael M. Munavu, the Working Party examined the challenges affecting the education sector in Kenya and addressed among others access, relevance, equity and quality, governance and financing of education as well as experience i
n the implementation of Competency Based Education (CBE).

The 2024 Sessional Paper on a Policy Framework for Educational Reforms in Kenya repeals colonial education policies that provided inferior education and prepared natives for non-skilled labor and menial work.

This was meant to prepare them to serve at the bottom of society deepening racism, inequalities, imbalances in access, and discrimination against the natives.

Furthermore, Education, training, and research reforms present a diversity of cultures and traditions in knowledge and to champion Afrocentrism in the curriculum.

The policy provides holistic quality and inclusive education and training for transformation to a knowledge economy, supporting social cohesion, innovation, and sustainable development, and promotes and coordinates innovative, competence-based equitable learner-centered education, training, and research.

The national goals of education, training, and research aim at nationalism, and patriotism, promote national unity and accel
erate socio-economic development through innovation and skills. Thus, through education, training, and research, learners will be empowered to promote individual development and self-fulfilment, sound moral values, social equality and responsibility.

In conclusion, Kenya’s rich and diverse cultures will develop as a result of the culmination of the national education goals, which translate to international consciousness which fosters positive attitudes towards other nations, good health, and environmental protection.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Release of the National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF) at Ainamoi and Belgut constituencies in Kericho County will enable learners in secondary schools, technical colleges, and universities to continue with their education uninterrupted.

In the Ainamoi Constituency, area legislator Amb. Benjamin Langat disbursed a total of Sh60 million in bursary funds to benefit a total of 10,600 needy students in secondary schools in all six wards in the constituency.

At the same time, a total of 1,365 Students in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes will also benefit from the kitty while a total of 1,387 university students from vulnerable families will also have a share.

Speaking during the launch of the bursary funds at Matobo Secondary School, the Ainamoi MP noted that all applicants in day schools would receive an equitable share of the bursary.

‘I have launched this year’s allocation of NG-CDF bursaries in Manyoror Secondary in Kapsaos Ward, Matobo Secondary in Kipc
hebor Ward, Kericho Secondary in Kapkugerwet Ward, Poiywek Secondary in Ainamo Ward, Kipchimchim Mixed secondary in Kipchimchim Ward, and Kenegut Day Secondary in Kapsoit ward.’ explained Amb Langat.

Meanwhile, Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech disbursed a total of Sh50 million bursaries courtesy of the NG-CDF for needy learners within the Sub-County.

‘I am grateful to all who participated in our bursary process 2023/2024 from the village bursary committees to our office staff and Chepkoton Girls that hosted us. Cheques have been dispatched for all schools,’ said Koech

Kericho County Senator Aaron Cheruiyot who was present at the function at Chepkoton Secondary School commissioned a multi-purpose hall fully funded by the Belgut NG-CDF said, the future of the needy and bright students was well secured with the disbursement of vital resources to facilitate their studies.

‘I challenge the parents to invest wisely in the future of their children through education and other opportunities. I also encoura
ge learners to reach for the skies and not be inhibited by temporary hurdles,’ quipped Sen. Cheruiyot.

Source: Kenya News Agency

An initiative by Kilifi North Member of Parliament (MP) Owen Baya to improve education standards in Kilifi has enabled the enrolment of over 500 students from poor families to secondary schools in Kilifi County.

The initiative involved the opening of two new secondary schools where students who missed scholarships and could not access secondary school education due to lack of school fees got the chance to proceed with their education.

The Gede Mixed Secondary school, one of the schools opened in January this year accommodated 400 students who had given up on education, marking a significant achievement in his efforts to enhance access to education for young people in Kilifi.

Speaking during the issuance of a 2 Million bursary cheque at the school, the MP said the initiative aimed to address the challenge of low secondary school enrolment rates in the constituency adding that many students in Kilifi County are facing barriers to accessing secondary education due to financial constraints faced by parents.

‘
Gede mixed school has been in our dreams as a rescue center for students whose parents are needy. So we decided that all students in this area to come and join this school and we will raise funds for them and pay their school fees’, he said

‘If we do not give a hand to these children and help fund their education, they will not access education. We have a very bright student here who got 385 marks and he was stuck at home because of lacking school fees but today he got a chance to join school’, he added.

Baya emphasized the importance of education in empowering youth and driving socio-economic development in the region saying he will mobilize resources including lobbying for funds from the government to remove obstacles hindering students’ access to secondary education.

He disclosed that he will facilitate the construction of more classrooms to accommodate more students who have dropped out of school due to a lack of school fees.

Parents and guardians led by Zainab Mohamed expressed their gratitude for th
e opportunity provided to their children saying they have struggled to afford secondary education in vain but they have hope for a better future as their children will complete school.

Mohamed disclosed that since her husband was diagnosed with diabetes, they have not been able to raise school fees for their 3 secondary school children. He thanked the leader’s efforts saying her children have finally joined school which is a dream come true

A similar school, the Children of Rising Sun Secondary located in Kilifi North Sub County has accommodated over 100 needy students, providing access to education without fee demands.

The MP’s initiative has come in hand with efforts by the County Government of Kilifi led by Governor Gideon Mung’aro which provided 2000 secondary school education full scholarships to bright students from poor families while bringing on board partners to provide more support.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Religious leaders from the Lower eastern region have commended counties that have invested heavily in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) terming the move a big boost for basic foundation.

The clergy speaking to the press at a Machakos hotel after holding a citizen led engagement forum, lauded governors in the region for improving ECDE infrastructure in their respective counties.

Led by Lower Eastern Coordinator, Major Leonard Kasyoka from the Salvation Army Church, the clergy urged counties to introduce school feeding programs in ECDE centers to increase school retention of pupils.

‘We take note of the good initiative to advance ECDE learning across the counties,’ said Major Kasyoka.

Major Kasyoka particularly hailed Machakos County Government for introducing the milk programme in ECDE dubbed ‘Maziwa ya Mama’ which he said besides increasing the number of learners will also boost their nutrition.

He asked other counties in the region to replicate the initiative in their respective counties.

Th
e church leaders also commended Makueni and Kitui counties for employing ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms saying the move will improve the quality of education in the region.

‘We applaud Kitui and Makueni counties for upgrading their ECDE teachers’ salaries and employing them on permanent terms,’ said Major Kasyoka.

He added that the church acknowledged the efforts county leaders have made towards fulfilling the promises made to the people and said they were looking forward to progressive development in the coming years across the counties.

Through proper budget implementation, the clergy recommended that the county treasuries should ensure timely preparation and submission of financial reports to the office of the controller budget.

They further recommended enhancement of value chains through recruitment of experts to drive economic development besides supporting local communities to establish sustainable enterprises.

The church leaders also urged the counties to address pending bills to
ensure genuine bills are paid promptly by the end of the financial year and called for timely disbursement of county funds by the national government.

The religious leaders from the lower eastern region were drawn from African Brotherhood church (ABC), Salvation army, Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA), Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Full gospel and the Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kisiwa Technical Training Institute, Bungoma has been crowned as the winner of the just concluded Western Region TVET fair skills held at the Busia polytechnic grounds.

The institution bagged several trophies in different categories, where Matili TTI from Bungoma County emerged as the first runners up, while Sigalala National polytechnic was honored for having presented various skills, innovations, robotics and research papers.

Wanga TVC was pronounced as the most improved in the TVET 2024 competitions.

Speaking to KNA immediately after the announcement of the results, Kisiwa TTI Research and Innovation Coordinator Sammy Mabele expressed excitement, adding that it was the first time for the institution to be the champions of the region.

‘We are so excited and very proud,’ he said, expressing gratitude to the institution’s principal and the Board of Governors for giving the much needed support to the innovators and exhibitors.

Mabele expressed confidence that the institution will be the champions at the N
ational level.

The Dean of Students at Matili TTI Arthur Amunga expressed joy stating that the institution has won more than eight trophies hence emerging second best.

Amunga thanked the Institution’s Principal for sponsoring all the projects that they displayed in the TVETs fair.

He appreciated their innovators and exhibitors for their hard work and commitment to the projects.

‘We actually bought the required material in time and the students worked on the projects in good time under the supervision of their instructors and trainers,’ he said.

The forum that brought together 29 TTIs and one TVC was presided over by the Western Regional Director of TVETs Joseph Sunguti.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Over 500 needy students from Murang’a county have benefited from bursaries worth over Sh5 million from the office of the local women representative.

The students drawn from vulnerable and underprivileged backgrounds will have their secondary and tertiary institutions education sponsored.

Speaking at Kimorori grounds, Kenol Tuesday, Murang’a County Women representative Betty Maina observed that her office is committed to ensuring that all students from underprivileged backgrounds have an equal chance to education, which is a right for every Kenyan child.

‘Today 506 students in colleges, tertiary institutions and secondary schools, including those with disabilities receive a total of Sh 5.2 million to cater for their studies,’ she said.

‘Education is the key that will help them unlock all the doors of opportunities available to them,’ she added.

The women representative further implored on the students to work hard in their studies.

‘Do not get into alcohol, drugs and substance abuse as that will derail y
our intention to transform your life and that of your families,’ she implored.

At the same time, Maina called on the Ministry of Education to ensure that the capitation meant for schools gets there on time.

‘We have witnessed the government releases a certain percentage for a school term and withholds the rest,

the next term they release a certain amount for that term without clearing the previous terms capitation grant, which ends up being a burden on the school heads who have to run the schools’ observed Maina.

One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Wamuyu applauded the women representative for the initiative noting that her child was able to remain in school despite the harsh economic times

‘My child is in Karugia secondary school and has benefited through the bursaries after I was unable to pay her school fees at Kigumo girls high school,’ she said

She continued ‘I am grateful that she will now be able to go on with her studies and realize her dreams’

Wamuyu underscores the need for the government to
continue supporting the education as most of the men are wasting away in drinking dens as the women do menial jobs for survival.

‘It is the children that suffer, but with such initiatives we have hope that they will be able to pursue their dreams and ambitions,’ she said.

On her part, Rose Mwihaki another beneficiary whose child is living with a disability said, ‘My child has cerebral palsy and had not joined school at the age of 12 because getting the finances to take him to a special school had proved futile.’

But with the bursaries, he has joined a special school, added Mwihaki, while urging parents with special children like her not to shy away from seeking help and enrolling them for learning.

‘Most of the children with special needs remain hidden due to societal stigma and I urge the government to ensure they also access education,’ she pleaded.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Magarini National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has launched a disbursement of educational bursaries worth Sh42 million.

Parents, school principals, and student’s expressed relief for area residents struggling with poverty, praising Member of Parliament Harrison Garama Kombe for prioritizing education.

Mr. Kombe, who is the fund’s patron, said Sh18 million benefit 3,000 students studying in schools within Magarini constituency, while the remaining Sh24 million would benefit students studying elsewhere.

He said the bursary kitty within the annual allocation had been increased from Sh25 million to 68 million to cater for the needs of students, most of who had lost hope of getting education.

However, he defended the government from accusations that the funds are not released in time saying the release of the bursaries depended on availability of funds, which come from revenue collection that takes time.

The occasion also saw the launch of the Magarini NG-CDF strategic plan 2023-2027,
which earmarks projects that will in the five years cost at least Sh945 million to fund projects in the education and security sectors within the constituency.

Among the projects to be implemented, according to Mr. Kombe, are the construction of a Kenya Medical Training College campus in Bungale location of Marafa Ward, an agricultural institute in Ramada location of Adu ward, the Magarini Sub County Headquarters in Jais area of Marafa ward as well as the construction of new schools and rehabilitation of existing ones.

Ms Grace Kimitei from the NG-CDF Headquarters lauded the Magarini NG-CDF board for being the 15th out of the country’s 290 constituencies to launch their strategic plan covering the years 2023 to 2027 and urged the rest to follow suit.

She noted that NG-CDF was initiated to complement the work of the National Government and called for the full implementation of the strategic plan in order to help the Kenya Kwanza government to accomplish its agenda for the country.

Magarini Deputy Commissio
ner lauded the NG-CDF board for agreeing to construct the Sub County Headquarters saying the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) John Thiong’o and his staff have been working in makeshift shelters since the sub county was created almost 20 years ago.

The administrator advised the Legislator to consider constructing the Sub County Headquarters due to the potential dangers of snakes or falling structures. The headquarters will be relocated from Marafa to Jais, providing relief to staff and mwananchi seeking services, according to the source

Locals who talked to journalists thanked Mr. Kombe and the NG-CDF for the bursaries and asked the fund’s national board to increase the allocation and ensure it is disbursed in time.

Source: Kenya News Agency