Despite low transition rate of students from high school to universities and colleges in Thika Sub-county, enrollment at local polytechnics which offer alternative training to those who miss out on university/college opportunities is low, Thika West Sub-county Youths Officer Patrick Muema has said.
Muema has said that many high school leavers in the sub-county are apprehensive about joining polytechnics which he said according to them are associated with school dropouts and class 8 leavers.
"We have noted that many form four leavers in Thika West sub-county have a very wrong perception and understanding in relation to local polytechnics which they associate with failures. This has greatly affected enrollment in these very key institutions despite the county government equipping them with various modern training equipment," said Muema on Monday in his Thika Town Hall office.
Muema said that such youths were missing out on important opportunities to acquire technical skills which would help them make a difference in their lives.
"The polytechnics have very qualified trainers who are ready to instill technical knowledge and skills in these youngsters who enroll for training. The graduates would, in turn, apply the skills to change their lives for better," he added.
The youths officer appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children to embrace the opportunities offered by the polytechnics saying that the graduates could employ themselves and be independent.
"We have various opportunities like carpentry, welding, masonry, tailoring to name but a few which all have high demand in the market. Parents have a responsibility to offer guidance and encourage their children to go for these courses," Muema said.
Photo: A welding shop in Thika's Engen Jua Kali area. Low enrollment in local polytechnics in Thika Sub-county among youths where they would get skills to run such a shop, has been attributed to misunderstanding and wrong perceptions about polytechnics.