Sigalagala Technical Training Institute in Kakamega county. [Photo: Softkenya.com]The Canadian government has extended monetary support to a tune of Sh1.5 billion to 10 National polytechnics.The funding is aimed at catapulting the 10 technical training institutions into developing a new curriculum hence enhancing their capacity to offer skill oriented courses.The funding through the Kenya Education for Employment Program (Kefep) aims at provide industry relevant skills to students currently enrolling in Kenyan polytechnics.The program is under the collaborative watch of the Ministry of Education through the Directorate of Technical Education, State Department of Vocational and Technical Training and it is expected to last to a period of three years. Moritz Schmidt, the Senior Technical Advisor and Program Coordinator said the Canadian initiative will be a game changer in the Kenyan education and job sector.Moritz was speaking, Wednesday during the Inception Phase event of the Partnership held at Kisumu National Polytechnic.He observed that the implementation of the work plan was going to bridge the gap between graduate trainees and the job market requirements.He said employers currently complain of half-baked graduates who do not measure up with the set job standards henceforward requiring extensive training before they can get used to their respective jobs.The 10 Kenyan Polytechnics among them Kisumu, Kisii and Sigalagala will share notes and benchmark with four Canadian Colleges which are Selkirk College, Victoria Island, Humber Collage and Durham College.
Moritz Schmidt, the Senior Technical Advisor and Program Coordinator speaking to the press, June 13, 2017.