MPs raise alarm over unlicensed trainers in TVETs

MPs have raised concerns over unlicensed trainers in a number of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) institutions in the country.

Members of the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee on Education and Governance were alarmed by the widespread non-compliance with trainer licensing requirements in the technical institutions.

The revelations emerged when the committee chaired by Luanda MP Dick Maungu met managers of some of the TVETs to examine the audit reports for the 2021/2022 to 2024/2025 financial years.

Some of the institutions, which according to the audit, failed the licensing requirement included Butula Technical and Vocational College, Khwisero Technical and Vocational College and Webuye West Technical and Vocational College.

Others were Tindiret Technical and Vocational College, Tinderet Integrated Technical Trainers College and Koshin Technical Training Institute.

According to the audit, some institutions were operating with a significant number of unlicensed trainers contrary to requirements set by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).

For instance, at Butula Technical and Vocational College, the Auditor-General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year revealed significant gaps in compliance.

A review of trainers’ records showed that the college had a total of 33 trainers during the period under review but only seven trainer licences were availed for audit verification.

“This was contrary to Section 23(1) of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act, 2013, which requires any person intending to become a trainer in an institution to apply for licensing and registration by the board in accordance with the provisions of the Act,” the auditor noted.

“In the circumstances, management was in breach of the law.”

Lawmakers questioned the implications of the shortfall on the quality of training, with Kasipul MP Boyd Were seeking clarity on the timeline for compliance.

“I would like to know how long it will take for the rest to be licensed,” Were, who is the vice chairman of the committee said.

In response, the Chief Principal of Butula TVC, Calistus Omilo, attributed the gap to evolving regulatory requirements noting that the number of licensed trainers has since risen to 14 out of 43.

He added that 12 more trainers have applied and their licences are being processed.

“The rest have enrolled at the Kenya School of TVET to undertake pedagogical training, which is a key requirement for registration and licensing by the TVET Authority,” he said.

Omilo explained that the regulator now requires all trainers to undergo pedagogical training before licensing, a condition many serving trainers did not meet at the time of their recruitment.

“Previously, individuals with technical qualifications were recruited directly, even through the Public Service Commission. Today, one must have a degree or a postgraduate diploma in education to qualify as a trainer. Until that is achieved, licensing cannot be granted,” he said.

Igembe Central MP Daniel Karitho questioned whether the situation pointed to a shortage of qualified trainers.

“Does it mean we do not have enough trainers? If they are enough, then we should have qualified personnel in our TVET institutions,” Karitho said.

Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei pointed to structural challenges in recruitment.

She said principals have limited control over hiring which is largely handled by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

“The institutions do not employ trainers directly. The PSC recruits, sometimes bringing in technically qualified individuals who lack pedagogical training. We need a structured approach where trainers can undergo these teaching courses, possibly during holidays, in collaboration with TVETA,” she said.

She added that unless a sustainable framework is adopted, the issue is likely to persist in future audit reports.

Lungalunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo called for better coordination between the PSC and TVETA.

He argued that recruitment criteria must explicitly require pedagogical qualifications, similar to the standards enforced by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in the teaching profession.

“There must be clarity from the start. If institutions request trainers, it should be clear that they must have undergone pedagogical training and be licensed before deployment,” he said.

Maungu acknowledged a legal gap that has contributed to the current situation noting that the PSC has historically deployed trainers without considering teaching qualifications.

He, however, pointed to ongoing legislative efforts to address the anomaly through the proposed Trainers Service Council Bill, which seeks to streamline the recruitment, certification and regulation of TVET trainers.

“There has been a lacuna in law where the PSC employs trainers without ensuring they have pedagogical training. The proposed Trainers Service Council will address these issues and bring order to the sector,” he said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The committee emphasised the need for urgent reforms to ensure all trainers meet licensing requirements, warning that failure to do so could undermine the government’s push to strengthen TVET education as a key pillar for skills development and job creation.