The Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has said that TVET training institutions are on course to comply with Covid-19 protocols set by the Ministry of Health (MoH) ahead of the re-opening of TVET colleges and other educational institutions in January 2021.

Speaking today when he made extensive assessment tour in Konoin Technical Training Institute in Bomet County, Buret Technical Training Institute in Kericho County and Keroka Technical Training Institute in Kisii County, the CS noted that although TVET colleges have attained 30 percent compliance, the ministry, and other government agencies are working round the clock to ensure all learning institutions have complied before they reopen next year.

“At the moment, on average, the TVET colleges are at 30 percent while Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) are better prepared at around 70 percent. But the government goal is to ensure that by January all training institutions have complied by the protocols set the government,”

The CS said that his tour, and that of the other senior staff at the ministry in different parts of the country are meant to encourage and prepare college managers and the local leadership to prepare sufficiently and conform to strict COVID -19 regulations.

Prof. George Magoha’s assessment of the preparedness on Konoin, Bureti and Keroka TTIs

The CS made an extensive tour today in the three TVET institutions and noted the following:

At Konoin TTC, the CS who was accompanied by the Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok and TVET Authority Director-General Dr Kipkirui Langat, advised the Principal to ensure the college complies with the following:

  • Have enough handwashing water points and soup at different entry and exit points
  • Position automatic hand sanitiser dispensers at different entry and exit points
  • Ensure there are enough masks for all the training and support staff
  • Work with the County and other leaders to put up dining hall using either prefabs or tents and ensure the dining chairs are properly placed
  • To ensure the classrooms, kitchen and workshops are properly tiled and the chairs are placed in accordance with the required spacing protocols
  • Pave the walkways and fix all the incomplete floors

The CS promised to return to the institution to re-assess its compliance

At Bureti Technical Training Institute, the Cabinet Secretary was impressed by the level of compliance, especially the measures the institution has taken to have handwashing water points and sanitisers at different strategic positions.

The CS, who was accompanied by the Bureti MP Japeth Mutai and TVET Authority Director-General Dr. Kipkirui Langat also lauded the institution for complying to the social distancing regulations in classrooms, workshops, washrooms, and staffroom. He, however, tasked the principal to ensure he has more handwashing dispensers and sanitisers to cater for the over 2,400 students.

At Keroka Technical Training Institute, the CS who was accompanied by the area MP Ezekiel Machogu and TVET Authority Director-General Dr Kipkirui Langat also expressed satisfaction with the work the principal and his staff have done especially in ensuring there is social distancing in classrooms and workshops.

He, however, tasked the principal to ensure there are more handwashing water points and sanitisers at all entry and exits points. The college should also ensure there is sufficient space in the dining areas and washrooms.

He also asked the principal to ensure the training staff and support staff, especially those working in food handling areas are tested when colleges re-open.

The CS promised to make an impromptu tour later to assess compliance.