Category: Technology

Some 358 learners from Kuria in Migori County have received Sh12 million in school fees subsidy programme from World Vision’s Kenya.

The programme dubbed ‘World Vision Kenya Big Dream Programme’ school fee subsidy programme aims to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through education in the Kuria region.

South Nyanza Cluster Manager for World Vision Mr. Shadrack Yator while speaking at Mabera Girls High School in Kuria West Sub County said that 214 of the 358 girls the programme was supporting escaped FGM.

Yator revealed that the organisation will enhance sensitisation and create a friendly environment for girls to empower them educationally to eradicate FGM, teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

‘We want to cushion our girls from the societal evils of FGM and early marriages by giving them hope and refuge in education, so as to have a generation that will act as role models to the future of young girls.

The official said the programme will complement what the national government and county governmen
ts give as a bursary to accommodate more beneficiaries.

Migori Deputy Governor Joseph Mahiri stressed the importance of education in the fight against FGM, early marriage and teenage pregnancies.

Mahiri explained that having a girl-educated generation will end vices like early marriages, teenage pregnancies and FGM that have been rampant in the Kuria region in the recent past.

His sentiments were echoed by Isebania Assistant County Commissioner Lillian Wabala and Kuria West Children’s Officer James Omondi who believe that education is the best means of ending FGM.

‘Let us educate our Kuria girls if they will ever be a voice for the region’, stated Omondi.

Source: Kenya News Agency

At least 8000 students from Eldama Ravine Constituency secured a Ksh. 73 million worth of bursaries from the constituency’s National Government Constituency Development Fund.

According to area member of parliament Mr. Musa Sirma, this was an increase of ksh. 20 million from the previous year’s ksh. 53 million were offered to 5000 students at the time

‘We have received Ksh 73,651,970 from the national government to disburse bursaries to the needy and vulnerable students in Eldama Ravine Constituency, ‘said Hon. Sirma during the disbursement of cheques in Eldama Ravine town.

Hon.Sirma refuted allegations that bursaries were being issued based on political affiliation.

‘The NGCDF bursaries are given without discrimination based on political affiliation. If that was the case, would the Nyanza region be receiving the funds since H.E William Ruto assumed office?’ posed Sirma.

According to Hon.Sirma, secondary day school students will receive bursaries on the following criteria; vulnerable students, Ksh 5,000,
partial orphans, Ksh 7,000, and total orphans will receive 10,000.

Secondary boarding students will see vulnerable students get Ksh10,000, partial orphans, Ksh 12,000, and total orphans, Ksh 15,000.

According to the MP college students will obtain bursaries on the following criteria; vulnerable students Ksh 12,000, total orphans, Ksh 15,000. Mid-level college students will get bursaries on the following basis; vulnerable students, Ksh 10,000, partial orphans, Ksh 12,000, total orphans, Ksh 15,000.

On the other hand, the university students will receive bursaries on the following criteria; vulnerable students at Ksh 15,000, partial orphans at Ksh 17,000, and total orphans will get, Ksh 20,000.

Koibatek Sub-County NGCDF Chairman, John Mr.Lagat commended H.E William Ruto for pushing for the return of CDF gund which had earlier been quashed by the courts.

He stated that the bursaries have reduced student absenteeism and the number of school dropouts due to school fee support.

‘This event also marks 20 years
of disbursement of CDF bursaries,’ added the chair

The event was graced by the presence of other legislators. They include Hon.Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Hon.Tandaza Kassim(Matuga), Hon.Reuben Kiborek(Mogotio), Hon. Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) and Hon.Lawi Kipchumba (Lembus Kwen Ward MCA).

Source: Kenya News Agency

The PS in the State Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETS) Dr. Esther Muoria has expressed the government’s commitment to bolstering TVET institutions.

In a speech read on her behalf by the Western Region Director of TVET Joseph Sunguti, Muoria said that TVETS are for innovations that will go a long way in offering solutions to the country’s many concerns like the environment, increase in food production, and creation of energy among others.

She noted that countries that embraced TVETS a long time ago have prospered to the extent that Kenya imports many items from them.

‘We are not giving up and we cannot give up at this level,’ she said, adding that the TVET fair held at Busia was a testimony of forging ahead to achieve the country’s goals in creativity and innovation.

The PS further expressed the government’s commitment to supporting TVET institutions through the provision of funds for essential resources, training materials, facilities, and curriculum activities which res
onates well with the sustainable goals for education.

‘The government through the State Department of TVETS is enabling trainees to access higher education and realise their full potential in the spirit and policy of not leaving anyone behind,’ he said urging all TVET institutions to uphold the principles of competency-based education and training to enable trainees to acquire skills that are aligned with the industries.

Muora at the same time urged the institutions to engage in research and innovation which would enhance the achievement of their programmes in case of the challenges that they have.

The Western Regional Director of TVET Joseph Sunguti said that the region leadership wants to build strong teams that could compete favourably with other regions.

‘We as a Western region have been strong and those standards should not be lowered at all,’ he said.

He encouraged the leadership at college levels to come up with activities that could showcase what individual colleges were doing.

‘We as a Ministry
and State Department for TVETS wish to state that we will continue to support all the activities when they are held at regional level or college level or national level,’ he said.

The forum organized by Bumbe Technical and Training Institution brought together 29 VTTI from the Western Region to participate in skills competitions, and robotics, showcase their exhibits, and present research papers.

The theme of the two-day event is TVET for Sustainable Development: ‘The Role of Science, technology, and Innovation for economic resilience’.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of Education has drafted the Basic Education Bill, 2024, for legislation that will make County Commissioners chairpersons of the County Education Boards (CEBs).

This will be a departure from the Basic Education Act, 2013, which is set to be repealed, that provides that the Cabinet Secretary appoints an educationist of at least five years standing, and based in the county.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, the Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu said the Bill would however, retain the County Director of Education or their representative as the Secretary to the County Education Board as in the current Basic Education Law.

The proposed changes were unveiled during the stakeholders’ forum on the Draft Sessional Paper and Bills to implement the recommendations of the Working Party at the Kenya Institute of Special Education.

Machogu who presided over the occasion said the changes followed recommendations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER), which was es
tablished to address the various challenges that had been observed across all levels of Kenya’s education system.

In attendance were the Principal Secretaries for the State Departments of Basic Education, Technical Vocational and Technical Training and University Education and Research Dr. Belio Kipsang, Dr. Esther Muoria and Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, respectively.

The CS assured the stakeholders that the government would restore the Sh22, 244 capitations for the Free Days Secondary Education programme.

‘The reduced capitation to Sh17,000 was due to the restrictive fiscal space. The restoration of the Sh22, 244 will help secondary schools to operate,’ he noted.

The changes in the Universities Bill, 2024 seek to bar Universities from offering diploma programmes.

Machogu said the Universities should restrict themselves to offering graduate and postgraduate programmes, and leave diploma and other certificate courses to middle-level colleges.

Among the public documents the Ministry of Education presented to s
takeholders for discussion and comments included The Sessional Paper on a Policy Framework for Education Reforms in Kenya, 2024.

‘The Sessional paper will anchor all the recommendations in the Report and provide the vehicle through which the Report will be presented to Parliament for adoption,’ said the CS.

The bills were The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Bill, 2024, The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill 2024, Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, Kenya Literature Bureau (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Kenya National Examinations Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Others were the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Basic Education Bill, 2024, the Education Appeals Tribunal Bill, 2024, the Basic Education Scholarships and Bursaries Bill, 2024, the Science Technology and Innovation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Universities Bill, 2024.

The Stakeholders were drawn from teachers’ unions, faith-based organizations, Vice-Chancellors of
public universities, members of civil society, senior education officials and all the Semi-Autonomous organizations in the education sector.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kirinyaga Central National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has disbursed Sh59.2 million to cater for school fees for all successful applicants this financial year.

This is the highest allocation to education ever in the constituency since the inception of NG-CDF where over 15,000 students in various stages and institutions will receive a share of the funds.

While launching the disbursement, Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament (MP) Gachoki Gitari said he is committed to supporting education by all means possible.

He said that all students in day school will each get Sh5,000 while those in boarding schools will receive Sh6,000. Those boarding outside the county and in institutions of higher learning will get Sh10,000.

Gitari urged principals of schools to dedicate their time to students and add value to the education system by providing information toward the creation of plans and policies aimed at improving education.

‘My commitment to supporting education will continue, not only in b
ursary allocation but also in ensuring that the infrastructure is of the required standard,’ Gitari said.

‘However, I warn parents trying to compromise the application process by duplicating forms and interchanging names that they will not benefit from the bursary’, the MP cautioned.

Lucy Mbai, Director Education, Kirinyaga Central sub-county, acknowledged the top performance of Kirinyaga Central sub-county in academics compared to the other four sub-counties and lauded the area MP’s passion for education.

She called upon parents to respond when called to attend school functions as it forms part of vital engagements with education stakeholders. She also appreciated principals who have been kind enough to retain students who have fee challenges in school until the bursary is disbursed.

Ms. Mbai appreciated assistant chiefs who were instrumental in achieving 100 percent transition government policy. She requested for construction of more classrooms based on demand as some schools accommodate up to 70 studen
ts against the approved standard of 45 in a classroom.

Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kirinyaga Central, Joseph Murethi, said identification and nurturing of talents should be considered to take advantage of skills that children have. He attributed the inability to raise fees to the use of alcohol, assuring that the security officers are doing all possible to eradicate alcoholism and drug abuse in the county.

He encouraged students to join technical and vocational colleges to acquire employable skills and urged those wishing to take advantage of labour migration to get skills from such institutions which have now been established in all sub-counties.

‘The government is investing resources in technical institutions; I expect many of your children to join them to acquire technical skills and take advantage of jobs in foreign countries currently being sought by the government,’ DCC Mureithi said.

Kirinyaga Central Technical and Vocational College Principal Charity Mugo who attended the function disclosed t
hat applications are ongoing and interested applicants can access application via Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), noting that successful applicants can get financial aid from HELB among other scholarships.

Joseph Maina and Joseph Wanjiru, parents of beneficiaries of the bursary, thanked the CDF board saying their children can return to school after the ongoing mid-term holiday without school fees worries.

They acknowledged the role of the NG-CDF in the development of schools, especially the construction of laboratories.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has partnered with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur International (GIZ) to implement the Dual TVET training program that combines apprenticeship within companies and vocational education.

The program will train students on industry skills while still learning in colleges and matching businesses with the right skills to improve their productivity and enhance employee retention rates.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, said that the partnership aims to strengthen and collaborate with states, among them Germany and Finland, between the public, private and established development partners as well as the industries through the dual training program.

She added that competency-based education and training curricula is an approach that emphasizes the participation of practical skills from which students will gain work experience from KEPSA members.

‘The government has provided state-of-the-
art equipment in TVET institutions as a main means of using the institutional practice experience for the implementation of the idea,’ she said.

The PS made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by the Policy and Strategy Director of TVET in the State Department of TVET Mr. Joseph Njau, during the official opening of the Dual TVET Training Program Partnership 2024 held at a Nairobi hotel.

Muoria said dual training, also known as the working technique of learning, is a model that combines green jobs learning in practical work experience, which comprises 70 percent of training in the industry and 50 percent in given institutions.

‘The dual program bridges the gap between dual practice for ensuring that trainees are equipped with the skills and competencies in the rapidly developing country moving for the labor market,’ Muoria said.

She noted that the concept of dual training has been implemented in several developed countries for a decade and has been a stronger strategy for imparting practical skills,
as well as being one of the best in training students in the industry.

‘TVET institutions by 2026 will bring about other components that will ensure that after the project there will be still sustainability,’ said the PS.

Muoria announced that her Ministry has set up industries to support skills which will focus on linkages, industrial training, and integrations as a way of supporting graduates with given skills for international and local trade labor market.

She at the same time, added that dual training is an important initiative as it will bridge the gap between the industry’s needs, trainees, and employment.

Speaking at the event, Counselor-Skills and Development and Job Creation, Embassy of Finland, Matts Weurlander, said that the collaboration between partners is crucial because it will equip trainees with skills that will lead to employment for young people according to the industry needs in TVET.

Weurlander said the project aims to solve the skills that students receive, noting that with the dyna
mic world that keeps on changing, students need to have skills that support flexibility to move and remain innovative.

‘Partnership with private sectors is essential as it enables people to go far and also foster the collaboration that is relevant in today’s world,’ he said.

The Director of Youth and Jobs at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, said that the private sector aims to promote job creation by giving graduates skills besides bringing together businesses.

He added that TVET should not navigate complex training without skills that are relevant to the job market.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru County Government has started a pilot school feeding program in Njoro sub-county as they prepare for implementation all over the county, with the aim of improving children’s concentration levels while in class.

Launching the exercise today, County Executive Committee Member for Education Ms. Zipporah Wambui said that this is a collective effort and every stakeholder is important to ensure success of the program in the County as per Governor Susan Kihika Manifesto.

She said the aim of the pilot program was to include and inform key stakeholders on the upcoming School Feeding Program, among them parents, ECDE teachers, KEPSHA, KNUT, Ministry of Education, NGAO, Public Health, MCAs among others stakeholders in order to instill a sense of ownership of the program among the surrounding communities.

A number of residents who participated in the forum, noted that the county sponsored feeding program would not only retain more children in school, but it would reduce the burden of parents who have been contr
ibuting money monthly for their children to be given lunch at school. However, those whose parents aren’t capable of paying are left out, hence leading to inequity at schools.

Over the years UNICEF has promoted the importance of school feeding programs in developing countries, through grants and support from other NGOs. However, more often than not, whenever the donors leave, the programme slowly fizzles out.

Nutritionists have always emphasized the importance of balanced diets for growing children for their physical and mental development, which has a positive impact on their capacity to comprehend what they are taught in school.

The first School Feeding Program in the country was started in the then central province and parts of Nairobi in 1967. It expanded between 1970 and 1978 to serve children in the arid regions according to the two National Development plans ending in 1978.

However, the most celebrated, memorable, and creditable, is the Nyayo milk scheme, which to date is lauded to have had a posit
ive effect on education and contributed to increased enrolment and retention of pupils at the primary school levels.

A parent from Molo, Julius Mwaniki who attended the forum, said St. Mary’s primary in the sub county has had the longest school feeding program which was initiated by a retired innovative headmaster, remembered to date, who managed to convince the parents of the importance of contributing money for their children’s school lunch.

Mwaniki recalled with nostalgia the good performance of the primary school in the 1970s and 80s, when it was considered a role model, and it produced the most notable professionals from Molo.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Students from Kilembwa Secondary in Mwala Sub County are designing a robot that will help pick litter while they focus on their studies.

The robot dubbed ‘lobster’ is supported by Kenya Connect (KC)a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in conjunction with Future Investment Initiative (FII), a global nonprofit foundation.

The two organizations partnered to provide the learners with laptops and robotic kits that were used to innovate the robot.

Mr. Michael Muthama, a teacher at the school, while speaking to the media said the availability of Information, Communication and Technology infrastructure in the school has increased the students interest in technological innovation.

‘The computer lab has changed the attitude of learners in school and during computer class, the students are very keen,’ said Muthama.

He said despite the school being located in a remote place, the students have an opportunity to innovate through the help of KC and FII.

Muthama noted that the project will give the students vita
l ICT skills that will give them a competitive edge once they leave school.

Maxwell Karanja, a form two student who aspires to be an aeronautical engineer, hailed the project saying it had given him a chance to learn ICT.

Karanja noted that once operational, the robot will save the students time spent on cleaning the school and instead focus on their studies.

‘When we come to school in the morning we are supposed to clean the whole compound so the robot will help us clean as we focus on our studies in the morning,’ said Karanja.

He added that the robot will help reduce the risk of infection among students since they pick litter with their bare hands.

Karanja observed that the robot will have color sensors which will be programmed using the computer and the robot will sense and pick the litters according to the colors programmed and dispose them to a dustbin.

The student further noted a computer will be programmed to monitor the robot’s movements around the compound as it senses and locates the litter.

Kenya Connect is an NGO in Mwala Sub County whose aim is to engage and empower students and teachers to excel.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Needy learners in West Pokot County have a reason to smile after the county government released Ksh 600 million to the bursary kitty aimed at opening access to education to all students irrespective of their backgrounds.

‘This bursary fund stands as proof of our commitment to the principle that education should be accessible to all, ensuring that no child is at a disadvantage due to limited resources,’ West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin said.

Speaking during the launch of the fund at Chewoyet High School, Governor Kachapin emphasized the importance of parental and guardian sacrifices in providing educational opportunities for students to exploit their full potential.

The county boss announced the launch of the bursary fund aimed at supporting the students within the county in their quest for education and achievement.

‘We have increased bursaries for learners in boarding school to Ksh20,000 from Ksh15,000 last year. Those in Colleges will get Ksh10, 000 and those in day schools will get Ksh5000. These fun
ds can be enough if they are managed the whole year,’ Governor Kachapin stated.

He claimed that the bursary fund he distributed is the most substantial in the country, intending to ease the financial strain experienced by many families in the county when it comes to educating their children.

In 2022, the governor announced that a sum of Ksh 435 million bursary fund was allocated to support 41,413 students across the county.

He emphasized that the allocation of scholarships to students showcases the long-standing dedication of the county government to assist students in their academic endeavors.

Governor Kachapin emphasized that his administration’s allocation of Ksh 600 million in bursary is intended to assist students at every educational level, ranging from primary school to university.

He mentioned that the Ksh 600 million will support 44,560 students at various educational stages, guaranteeing that financial limitations will not impede their academic progress.

He observed that the initiation of the
bursary encompasses more than just providing financial assistance but serves as a powerful symbol of hope, empowerment, and opportunity that conveys a resolute message to the students that their dreams are valid, and through perseverance and dedication, they can accomplish anything they set their hearts on.

He said the county officers responsible for distributing bursaries to students faced various obstacles such as impersonation, forged documents, and non-residents applying for bursaries noting that the challenges significantly hindered the timely allocation of bursaries to the students, highlighting the need for a collective effort to address them.

He firmly warns all school principals, parents, and any other person involved in the act of trying to obtain money through dishonest methods that they will face consequences.

He expressed his gratitude to the partners and stakeholders who played a vital role in making the launch of the bursary fund possible.

‘Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated
and your investment in education will yield dividends for generations to come,’ he said.

The governor urged the recipient of the bursary fund to grasp the opportunity with utmost determination and commitment, by putting in diligent effort and maintaining discipline.

‘Your education is your passport to a brighter future and this bursary is here to support you every step of the way, study hard, dream big, and never lose sight of your goals,” the Governor challenged the students.

He went on to challenge everyone to wholeheartedly embrace the initiation of the bursary, emphasizing that it serves as evidence of the county government’s dedication to education and the county’s future.

West Pokot County commissioner Khalif Abdullai reiterated that to support needy and bright students in the county, the national government in collaboration with the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation has extended scholarships to 136 deserving students who were at the brink of discontinuing their education.

The County Commissioner (CC), Abd
ullai, also mentioned that the national government has distributed Ksh 30 million for bursaries across all constituencies through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG CDF).

CC Abdullai also mentioned that the government is allocating capitation funds for the education of all students, whether they attend boarding schools or day schools.

He said all students in West Pokot County are required to remain in school noting that it is an offense for anybody to send learners home for school due to unpaid school fees, as the government is responsible for their educational expenses.

The commissioner cautioned all schools under the administration against imposing unauthorized fees on students and parents, such as motivation, remedial, lunch fees, and money for ream papers.

He said that day secondary schools are free with the government covering the capitation for every student.

‘We want all students to be in school, the government policy of 100% transition must be achieved, there are no two way
s about it, I am therefore directing all Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs, and Assistant Chiefs to ensure all students are in school, we are going to take your promotion and carry up progression based by how many students have you taken to back to school,” the county commissioner issued the stern warning.

According to him, the county’s illiteracy rates are remarkably low, standing at 65 % according to the report by UNICEF (2012) due to retrogressive cultural practices including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages, cattle rustling and nomadic way of life.

He stated that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is prohibited, cautioning individuals engaged in FGM practices, and early marriages. and other forms of mistreatment towards women within specified areas that the assistant chiefs will be held accountable for ensuring compliance, and failure to address causes of FGM and underage marriages will result in their dismissal from their positions.

He said his mission w
as to come to West Pokot to silence the guns, and insecurity and foster tranquillity and unity among the conflicting communities residing at the border of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana.

The county commissioner called upon all political and religious leaders, government partners, and stakeholders, including organizations dedicated to peace and security, to collaborate to safeguard the region’s security.

The West Pokot Director of Education (CDE), Simon Wamae, emphasized that despite his experience working in various counties across the country, West Pokot County stands out a region that prioritizes educational matters.

‘Ksh 600 million bursary fund should not be taken lightly,’ CDE Wamae said.

CDE Wamae emphasized the significance of education by citing an old Chinese proverb. According to the proverb, a wise individual does not inquire about the darkness upon entering a room; instead, they illuminate it with a candle. In this context, Wamae highlighted the governor’s commendable efforts in West
Pokot County, as he ignited the flame of hope and provided children with a promising future by enabling them to be in school.

He said the Ministry of Education will guarantee the effective and efficient utilization of the resources entrusted to the school principals.

CDE Wamae stated that the principals have recently completed a financial management course, equipping them with skills to effectively handle resources; resources not only those provided by the county but also those from the national government and other partners.

The West Pokot County director of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Francis Lotam, implored the educators to wisely utilize the school resources for the students to reap the advantages of the education support from the governor and government in terms of bursaries, capitation, and National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG CDF).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Marakwet West Member of Parliament, Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich, has pledged his commitment to aid in the construction of a much-needed administration block for St. Peters Marakwet Boys High School. This announcement came during the school’s Annual General Meeting, held at the school where he emphasized the crucial necessity of the infrastructure.

During the school’s Thanksgiving Ceremony and AGM, the MP expressed his dedication to supporting the school’s infrastructural development, specifically highlighting the construction of a multi-story administrative block.

He revealed that an initial sum of Ksh. Six Million (6M) has already been earmarked for the project.

‘I committed to help in the school’s infrastructural development, and in particular, the construction of a story administrative block. We have already committed a start-up amount of Ksh. Six Million (6M),’ he revealed.

The MP commended the management’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the institution and urged students to prioritize academic ex
cellence to secure their futures.

‘I am extremely elated by the management’s commitment to work tirelessly for the betterment of the institution. I also encourage the students to focus on academic excellence to secure their future,’ he remarked.

Assessing the collective effort of students, parents, teachers, and management, Toroitich expressed confidence in St. Peters Marakwet Boys High School’s potential for greatness.

‘Having engaged the students, the parents, the teachers, and the management, I have no iota of doubt that St. Peters M.B.H.S is destined for greatness,’ he affirmed.

The AGM saw the presence of distinguished guests, including the Chief Principal of Alliance High School (A.H.S), Mr. David Chomba Kamau, who further underlined the importance of educational collaboration and support within the region.

Toroitich concluded by reiterating his unwavering commitment to educational transformation in Marakwet West, emphasizing that his focus remains resolute and unstoppable in driving positive chang
e within the educational sector.

Source: Kenya News Agency