Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba has warned principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions against imposing unauthorized charges beyond approved government fee structures.
Speaking during the closing of a three-day Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Leadership Engagement and Capacity Building Workshop in Mombasa, Ogamba said disciplinary action will be taken against institutions found violating the directive.
“We cannot have principals adding additional charges to fees contrary to what the government has approved. If you have an issue, consult and let us work together, but no institution should add more charges,” he said.
Protecting Access to Affordable TVET
The warning comes as the government pushes to make technical education more affordable and accessible to thousands of young people seeking practical skills.
Unauthorized fees have been cited as one of the barriers affecting enrollment and retention in some institutions.
The CS urged principals to channel concerns through the Ministry rather than unilaterally increasing student costs.
Principals Told to Embrace Transformational Leadership
Ogamba also challenged TVET leaders to move beyond routine administration and adopt transformational leadership focused on:
- Accountability
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Labour market alignment
- Innovation and competitiveness
He said Kenya’s future competitiveness depends on the quality and relevance of its skilled workforce.
AI and Digital Skills Integration
The CS directed institutions to integrate emerging technologies such as:
- Digital tools
- Automation
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
into training programmes to prepare learners for future jobs.
PS Muoria: TVET Garages to Service Government Vehicles
TVET Principal Secretary Esther Thaara Muoria echoed the call for compliance with approved fees and prudent use of public resources.
She announced that TVET institutions with garages will begin servicing government vehicles, replacing the current outsourcing model to private garages.
“We want to begin to repair all government vehicles in our TVET institutions with garages… We shall begin with the ones at Jogoo House,” she said.
The move is expected to:
- Reduce public expenditure
- Provide trainees with real-world experience
- Generate income for institutions
- Strengthen practical learning
Industry Partnerships Key
Dr Muoria said partnerships such as the one with Toyota Kenya demonstrate how collaboration between industry and institutions can improve training quality.
She urged principals to personally drive linkages that unlock:
- Student attachments
- Equipment support
- Production partnerships
- Employment pathways
Tough Warning on Quality Standards
On Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), the PS said institutions will be judged by the competence of graduates—not enrollment figures.
She warned that examination or assessment malpractice would not be tolerated.
“Principals will be held personally accountable where standards are compromised,” she warned.
Financial Reporting Compliance Ordered
Dr Muoria also directed institutions to comply with financial reporting obligations under:
- Public Finance Management Act, 2012
- TVET Act, 2013
This includes submitting audited financial statements within three months after the end of each financial year.
National TVET Leaders Convene in Mombasa
The three-day workshop brought together principals, deputy principals, registrars and quality assurance officers from TVET institutions nationwide under the theme: Transforming TVET Institutions through Strategic Leadership, Financial Stewardship, and Quality Assurance.
The latest directives signal tighter government oversight as Kenya seeks to modernize TVET institutions, lower costs, improve accountability and produce graduates ready for industry.