TSC to promote 10,000 teachers

Transcription

1 Allowances for 26,256 teachers stopped - Page 11 Court orders UASU to hold fresh elections - Page 12 5,000 teachers want 20-year arrears paid - Back page Education Focus 2014 top KCPE Schools - Pages The Bestselling Newspaper on Education News VOL 180 DECember 2-15, 2016 Ksh 70 TSC to promote 10,000 teachers story page 4 Dr Fred Matiang i, Education CS Tough rules to check varsity admissions By Patrick Amunavi The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Dr Fred Matiang i has directed the Commission for University Education (CUE) to do an audit on all student enrolment systems used by Universities in Kenya. This is to ascertain credibility of their admission systems for purposes of weeding out those who may have enrolled at these institutions before meeting all the requisite university admission requirements. He warned that stern action will be taken against Universities found to have given admissions to unqualified people, including revocation of the charters. Turn to page 6 By Jackson Okoth Close to 300,000 candidates who sat this year s Kenya Certificate for Primary Education (KCPE) examination and scored less than the minimum entry of 250 marks, will not secure places in Secondary Schools come January, This is according to aggregate data released by Dr Fred Matiang i, Cabinet Secretary for Education, when he released the 2016 KCPE results on December 1, Further, some 6,747 candidates failed the KCPE 2016 examinations It was joy for Peter Waigwa of Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy who scored 424 marks in this year's KCPE exams. He wishes to join Alliance Boys High School. He wants to become a pilot. Photo/ Joseph Mukubwa 300,000 KCPE candidates to miss Form One places by scoring 100 marks and below, meaning that this category could be forced to repeat the class or drop out completely from primary school. Turn to page 2

2 2 Education News DECember 2-15, 2016 Thousands to miss Form One places From page 1 With all the surveillance and close monitoring of the KCPE examination, only a paltry 0.54 per cent of 5,143 students out of a total number of 942,021 candidates, who sat the 2016 primary school national examination scored above 400 marks. Those who scored between 300 and 400 marks number 207,141 candidates and are in the group that will find places in secondary school. Interestingly, the number of candidates with more than 400 marks decreased by 31 per cent to 5,190 compared to 7,560 last year. The top candidate this year scored 437 marks out of the maximum possible 500 marks, meaning the candidate would not have been placed among the top ninety (90) candidates in last year s KCPE examinations. A total of 942,021 candidates sat the 2016 KCPE examination. Of these, 49.7 per cent were girls and 50.3 per cent boys. This gender composition has comparatively remained the same over the last three years. The analysis of candidature trends by gender in the last three years indicates that the percentage increase in the number of girls has consistently been higher than that of boys over this period. In terms of counties, I wish to note with satisfaction that nearly half (23) of the regions registered more girls than boys in the KCPE Examination. These counties, which I must highly commend, are Mombasa, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Machakos, Kitui, Embu, Meru, Makueni, Nairobi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisii and Kisumu, Nyamira, said Dr Matiang i. Available figures indicate that the performance of candidates in this year s KCPE examination was slightly lower than that of Girls performed better than boys in language subjects - English, Kiswahili and Kenya Sign Language - while boys performed better than girls in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies & Religion. The 2016 KCPE results were released against the background of one of the mostly Mutheu Calistus Riziki, 14, of Muthenya School, Kitengela in Kajiado County is lifted high after she scored 419 marks in this year's KCPE. Photo/Kurgat Marindany. highly organized vigilance systems led by State officials, the Kenya National Examination Council and School principals. It was one of the most well executed national examinations in Kenya s history. Sources told Education News that an intricate web of cyber experts, forgery practitioners, deep pocketed tycoons, white collar criminals and disgruntled insiders, hovering around the Kenya National Exanimation Council offices, may have forced Dr Matiang i to rush and release the 2016 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education( KCPE). Although the CS was scheduled to release the 2016 KCPE results on December 8, 2016, this plan was abandoned as the exam cheat cartels closed in, prompting the announcement to be made a week ahead of schedule. By the time of going to Press, reports filtering confirmed that these exam cheat cartels had already convened at the central place, where marking of this year s Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education(KCSE)-set to begin on 6th December, 2016, will take place. I am proud to announce that the measures introduced by the Ministry of Education and other critical agencies worked incredibly well. Indeed for the first time in many years, the national examinations were not leaked. The administration of the examinations was the smoothest in recent memory. He added that various security measures were put in place during the administration and management of the 2016 KCPE Examination to help stamp out cheating. I wish to report that all the attempted cases of examination malpractices, totaling to only 21, were detected and dealt with appropriately before they could happen, said Dr Matiang i. Intelligence reports show that well organized and highly connected cartels with tacit support from officers at the KNEC have in the past been involved in well-oiled schemes to steal or sell examination papers, bribe invigilators and supervisors, doctor results and mint millions of illicit cash in the process. This crime syndicate also involves corrupt police officers, School Heads and Principals as well as backstreet printers. I wish to note with gratification that the examination was administered successfully throughout the country between the 1st and 3rd of November This success would not have been possible without the effort of the 168,800 contracted professionals who invigilated and supervised the administration of the examination and the 5,047 examiners who were involved in the marking of the English Composition, Kiswahili Insha and Kenya Sign Language Composition, said Dr Matiang i. Although Parliament recently passed a law requiring the Ministry of Education to rank schools and candidates when releasing national examinations, this did not happen. Unfortunately, due to the short period between the time the law was enacted and when the KCPE examination was administered, the Ministry was not able to prepare for its implementation. I, therefore, wish to inform the country that the Ministry has not provided any ranking for the 2016 KCPE Examination candidates and centres. The Ministry will, however, put in place a water-tight mechanism to help implement the law, said Dr Matiang i. He added that measures are in place to admit the 2016 KCPE Examination candidates into public secondary schools based on merit, quotas, equity, affirmative action and candidate choices. The selection will also ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds continue with their education. All candidates who scored 400 marks and above, will be admitted to national schools as soon as Form One selection exercise, which begins on December 9, 2016, is concluded. said Dr Matiang i. During the 2016 KCPE examination, candidates attained aggregate scores as follows:- RANGE OF MARKS NUMBER OF CANDIDATES % OF TOTAL CANDIDATES Above 400 5, % , % , % , % 100 and below 6, % Reagen Salasia of Kakamega Hill School who scored an impressive 427 marks in the 2016 KCPE is carried shoulder high in celebration. The school in Kakamega recorded good results. Photo/Leonard Angatia Hill School Primary School best student, Juliet Musimbi who had 431 marks being congratulated by her parents, John Avula and Grace Avula and brother Jared Avula together with teachers, Jean Soita, and Mrs. Cheserek. The Eldoret based school posted some of the best results in Uasin Gishu County. Photo/Dennis Bett

3 DECember 2-15, 2016 education news 3 Bushiangala TTI expands in readiness for more students By Leonard Angatia Bushiangala Technical Training Institute, situated in Kakamega South Sub County, has acquired a parcel of land measuring 12 hectares that it intends to use to expand its training programs. Already, the Institute has a modern Administration block; Tuition block, laboratory complex, workshops, men and ladies hostels and ultra-modern resource center, which is nearing completion. This is in addition to four workshops that will commence operations next Administration block year. These workshops will be used to conduct courses in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics, building and construction and plumbing. With a population of over 200 students, the institute expects to attract a population of about 500 students by end of We urge more students to register with us for various courses at affordable rates. The facilities we have meant to create a conducive learning environment, said Janet Otuya, Principal of Bushiangala Technical Training County Kiosks made by Bushiangala Artisan team. Institute. She made these remarks in an interview at her office where she disclosed that those who are unable to afford paying school fees can CNC milling machine for WAKI clearing and forwarding. Janet Otuya, Principal. obtain assistance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). The Institute has a bus for transporting students to and from the facility as well as a solar training centre-which was sponsored by the Germany Corporation and Strathmore University. The solar training programs will commence from 5th December, 2016 and end on 15th December at the Institute s grounds. Bushiangala Institute is located off Sigalagala Bukura road approximately 10 kilometers from Sigalagala and about 18 kilometers from Kakamega town. It was established in 1991 as a skill upgrading centre by volunteers with support from European Economic Commission. The main objective of the Institute was to upgrade skills for Youth New mechanical milling machine. Polytechnic graduates, instructors and managers. The Voluntary Service Overseas Group withdrew its support in 1993 leaving the Institute to be taken over by the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry replaced the short-term training courses with Artisan and Craft courses. The then A sign post highlighting courses. Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology formally took over the running of the Institute in Run by a Board of Governors, the Institute is in the process of forming a Parents Teacher Association (PTA), whose task will include sourcing for funds for various development programmes while en- College bus MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUSHIANGALA TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE BUSHIANGALA TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE P.O. BOX KAKAMEGA. Tel No: / / P.O. BOX bushiangalatechnical@gmail.comwebsite: KAKAMEGA. Tel No: / / bushiangalatechnical@gmail.com WEBSITE: FULL TIME COURSES JANUARY/MAY/SEPTEMBER 2016 FULL TIME COURSES QUALIFICATIONS DURATION EXAM BODY BUILDING DEPARTMENT Diploma in Civil Engineering (Module) C (MINUS) 3 Years KNEC Diploma in Building Technology Module C (MINUS) 3 Years KNEC Craft in Building Technology Module D or Artisan Cert 2 Years KNEC Craft in Water & Sanitation Technology Module D or Artisan Cert 2 Years KNEC Artisan in Masonry (TEP) D- or KCPE 6 TERMS KNEC Artisan in Plumbing D- or KCPE 6 TERMS KNEC APPLIED SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Diploma in Applied Biology C (MINUS) 3 Years KNEC Diploma in Analytical Chemistry C (MINUS) 3 Years KNEC Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology D 6 TERMS KNEC CLOTHING AND TEXTILES Diploma in Fashion Design & Clothing Tech. (Module) C (MINUS) 3 Years KNEC Craft in Fashion Design & Garment Making D or Artisan Cert 2 Years KNEC Artisan Course in Garment Making D or KCPE 6 Terms KNEC MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Module 1) C - & Craft Cert 3 Years KNEC Diploma in Automotive Engineering Module C - & Craft Cert 3 Years KNEC Craft in Welding & Fabrication Module D or Artisan Cert 2 Years KNEC Craft in Motor Vehicle Mechanics D or Artisan Cert 2 Years KNEC Craft in Automotive Engineering D or Artisan Cert 2 Years KNEC Artisan in Motor Vehicle Mechanics D - or KCPE 6 TERMS KNEC Artisan in Welding & Fabrication D - or KCPE 6 TERMS KNEC BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Diploma in Supplies Chain Management (Module I, II, III) C or Pass in relevant Mod KNEC Diploma Community Devt& Social Work C or Pass in relevant Mod KNEC Diploma Business Management C or Pass in relevant Mod KNEC Certificate Community Dev. Social Work D (PLAIN) and Above KNEC Craft Supplies Chain Management (Module) D (PLAIN) and Above KNEC Craft Secretarial Duties (Single & Group) Module D and Above KNEC Artisan Store Keeping D or KCPE and Above KNEC Certified Public Accountant (CPA) I C + (C+ in Maths&Eng) 3 TERMS KASNEB Certified Public Accountant (CPA) II Pass in CPA I 3 TERMS KASNEB Certified Public Accountant (CPA) II Pass in CPA II 3 TERMS KASNEB Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) Level I, II, III Grace Anno, Registrar. couraging good relations between teachers, students, parents and the community. The Institute is managed by the Principal, Deputy Principal, Registrar and Dean of Students. There are seven (7) Academic Departmental heads. Students have their interests articulated by the Student Council. The Institute has 31 state appointed teachers, a conducive learning environment and adequate accommodation facilities. It has also been selected to those in the National Youth Service. It has already received a milling machine for mechanical engineering classes- CNC milling machine DVL 1000 in addition to a modern clothing and Resource centre building. C or Pass in ATC level I, II, III textile machine. Bushiangala Technical Training Institute has also received a tender from Kakamega County Government to put up kiosks to be used by those in the informal sector We have put in place plans to transform Bushiangala into a centre of excellence through the stimulus provided through the Constituency Development Fund. The student population is growing fast and we expect our intake to increase in the near future, said Grace Anno, the Institute s Academic Registrar. DVL machine in the workshop. KASNEB COMPUTER & ICT DEPARTMENT Diploma in ICT C - 3 YEARS KNEC Information Technology (Cert) D 2 YEARS KNEC Information Comm. Technology Technician (Cert) D + 6 MONTHS KASNEB Computer Packages Std 8, Form 4 4 MONTHS Computer Society of Kenya ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING Diploma in Electrical & Electronics (Power) Module C - 3 YEARS KNEC Diploma in Electrical & Electrons (Telecoms) Module C - 3 YEARS KNEC Craft in Electrical & Electronics Technology D 6 TERMS KNEC Artisan in Electrical Installation KCPE 2 YEARS KNEC NOTE: THREE (3) MONTHS INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL COURSES NOTE: THREE (3) MONTHS INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL COURSES APPLICATION APPLICATION PROCEDURES: PROCEDURES: 1. Apply 1. to Apply the Principal, to the Principal, BushiangalaTTI, BushiangalaTTI, P.O.BOX P.O.BOX , , Kakamega, Kakamega, dully completed dully completed application application forms should forms be should returned be together returned together with copies with copies of KCSE of KCSE Slip/Certificate, Slip/Certificate, Leaving Leaving Certificate, Certificate, National National ID Card, ID 4 Card, Passports 4 Passports size photos size and photos non-refundable and non-refundable application application fee of fee of Kshs. Kshs. 300, 300, the the Application forms forms can can be be obtained from from the the office. 2. Application 2. Application can also can be also made be by made sending by sending an SMS an to SMS any of to the any Cell of the Phone Cell Numbers Phone Numbers indicating indicating 1. Names Names Course 2. Course 3. K.C.S.E/K.C.P. 3. K.C.S.E/K.C.P. E E Mean Mean Grade 4 Postal/ Address Desired Intake Include your Telephone Number in in the the SMS DISABILITY IS NOT INABILITY: Provision for persons with disability provided DISABILITY IS NOT INABILITY: Provision for persons with disability provided

4 4 Education News DECember 2-15, ,000 teachers to attend promotion interviews By John Machio The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to promote some 10,000 public school teachers and have their salaries increased to correspond to the new grades. This process is to begin in January, 2017, Education News has learnt. Teachers to be promoted are Principals, Head teachers and their Deputies who will be promoted to Job Group M (2,723 posts). Also to be elevated to Job Group M are Assistant Teachers, Lecturers, Curriculum Support Officers and Education Assessment Resource Centre Officers (3,980 posts). Also to be promoted are 1,203 Principals, Head Teachers and their Deputies, who will move up to Job Group N. The same Job Group N will attract 2,797 Assistant teachers, Lectures, Curriculum Support Officers and Education Assessment Resource Centre Officers. TSC has also disclosed that it will promote some 500 Head Teachers and their Deputies to Job Group K. Those who will benefit must be a P1 and ATS-IV Teacher, who possesses a Bachelor of Education degree and is currently the Head teacher or Deputy Head Teacher. Principals, Head Teachers and their Deputies promoted to Job Group M must be a professionally qualified Graduate/ Approved Teacher, Trained Diploma Technical Teacher I or Ordinary Diploma Teacher I, presently teaching or serving as Principals, Head teachers or Deputies and must have served in that position, at Job Group L, for at least three years. Teachers to be promoted to Job Group N, must be professionally qualified Senior Graduate Teacher, Senior Approved Teacher, Ordinary Diploma Teacher, Senior Trained Diploma Technical Teacher or Senior Lecturer, currently teaching and has served as Head teacher in Job Group M, for at least Wycliffe Omuchenyi, KNUT second National Vice Chairman with National Treasurer John Matiang'i during the Kenya Teachers Colleges Principals' Association (KTCPA) 5th annual conference in Mombasa recently. Photo/Andrew Ngea three years. According to an Internal Memo (TSC/ DTM/MEMO/2016) dated November 22, 2016 addressed to County Directors, the Acting Director of Teacher Management, Abdirizak Farah said shortlisting for interviews of the 10,000 posts is complete and that interviews will begin soon. Farah has requested the County Directors of Education to provide and confirm to TSC Headquarters information regarding all teachers current station, responsibility, professional conduct, performance over the past two years and suitability for promotion. Although TSC advertised the 10,000 teaching posts in August 2016; interviews were subsequently cancelled only to be readvertised in mid-september, This is the last batch of teachers, to be promoted by TSC based on years served. A new system, recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission will see TSC reward teachers with promotions, based on performance. The SRC evaluation system eliminates all barriers to career progression and ensures that no two people in the same old group, irrespective of their place of work, earn different salaries. Previously, top positions in the teaching service have been filled through direct appointments, raising fears that some unscrupulous appointing officers could be abusing this privilege. All those who qualified for promotions were given until October 7th, 2016 to submit their online applications. All applications done manually as well as those that contain false information were to be disqualified. According to TSC Secretary/Chief Executive, Nancy Macharia disciplinary action was to be taken against teachers who presentfalse information or forged documents. Successfully, candidates would be deployed as administrators in Primary, Secondary, Special Schools and Technical Institutes. TSC has since July 1st, 2016 promoted some 20,000 teachers to various grades. According to TSC Handbook on Decentralized Teacher Management Functions, released recently, the objective of promotions is to reward performance, manage succession and expand opportunities for career growth and progression. Promotion will be based on the existing Schemes of Service that may be reviewed from time to time, said the TSC booklet. Teacher promotions have continued to be conducted using a new grading system based on Common Cadre Establishment-where a teacher may be promoted without going through a Competitive Selection process or availability of vacancies. This is provided they meet the minimum qualifications for the grade. Those affected are teachers in Job Group C1, C2 and C3 which were former J, K and L respectively. Previously, promotion from Job Group J to K, and K to L was done after three years satisfactory performance. Promotion through Teacher Proficiency Course (TPC) will cover non-graduate teachers in Job Group B5 who must undertake TPC. Formerly, TPC covered Job Group G and H, but G has since been abolished, leaving H which is now Job Group B5. Promotion of teachers to Job Groups C4, C5, D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 which were formerly M, N, P Q and R will be done through Competitive Selection. Shortlisting shall be done at the TSC Headquarters; however, names of the shortlisted candidates for C4 and C5, and the guidelines shall be forwarded to the County Directors who shall conduct the interviews at the County level. Governor: Sh272m used to employ ECDE teachers By Alfred Kimosop Baringo County Government has defended itself against the report by Auditor General, Edward Ouko that it spent over Sh272 million to ghost workers. The report indicated that the county paid individuals not captured in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD) system in Financial Year. Governor Benjamin Cheboi told Education News that the story highlighted in a section media was meant to tarnish the County Government despite its record in development. He instead claimed the Sh272 million alleged by the report to have been spent on ghost workers was spent on paying Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers, in addition to economic stimulus programme and contracted employees among others. Cheboi also faulted the auditor s report saying the amount was paid outside the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database. He pointed out to locals that nothing sinister was going on with the 272 million shillings claimed by Mr. Edward Ouko. How on earth can 1,873 ECDE teachers who benefited from my government be branded ghost workers? Media should be cautious enough in handling some issues like this, Cheboi said. However, Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Silale Ward, Nelson Lotela dismissed the governor s claim and blamed it on graft in his administration. Governor Benjamin Cheboi talks to a pupil during a past function in Eldama Ravine. Photo/Alfred Kimosop He said leaders should desist from such malpractices and safeguard their integrity and morals in the society. He asked for scrutiny by bodies concerned on the vice to ensure money spent on ghost workers are given back. The MCA urged the relevant authorities to arrest all behind the Sh272 million scandal if they are found responsible. Mr Lotela decried state of ECDE centres in areas like East Pokot while money which could have been utilized well are stolen.

5 DECember 2-15, 2016 KNUT to sue TSC over illegal transfer of teachers, pupils By John Machio Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has threatened to sue Teachers Service Commission (TSC) if the Commission fails to withdraw a letter purporting to transfer 225 pupils and 18 teachers of Ng ethu Water Works Primary School formerly under Nairobi to Kiambu County. In a letter signed by TSC Nairobi County Deputy Director, Bernard Kimachos copied to the Commission Secretary, Nancy Macharia states that Ng ethu Water Works Primary School currently sponsored by Nairobi Water Company of Nairobi County Government will now be administered by Kiambu County Government, hence the files of teachers and the personal details of the pupils have been transferred to Kiambu. KNUT and the Board of Management (BOM) argue that the school was started in 1992 by Nairobi City Council (now Nairobi County Government) basically to cater for the children of employees of Nairobi City Council Water and Sewerage Department at Ng ethu Water Works Treatment Plant. Since inception, City Water and Sewerage Department (Now Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company) and Nairobi County Education Department have been providing the school with free transport, water, electricity, security, financial support, tapping talent and supporting the facility with equipment for co-curriculum activities. States the BOM in a memorandum handed over to KNUT: Taking the school to Kiambu County means losing all the benefits, and the purpose of having the school of this kind as earlier projected. The BOM chaired by Joshua Wanguru with the Head teacher, Joseph Kiarie serving as the Secretary wondered why the school was being transferred now.24 years since its inception. TSC action is baseless as they acted without consultation as it is required by law. The Commission never consulted Nairobi County Governor s Office, the Department of Education, the Head teacher (TSC Agent), KNUT, neither Nairobi Water Company which is the sponsor of the school. Since establishment, the school has all along been in Starehe District (Starehe Sub-County) Central Zone. The school has been receiving Free Primary Education (FPE) funds through Nairobi County, more so, teachers have been posted to Ng ethu Water Workers Primary School from Nairobi Code which was scrapped at Integrated Personnel Payroll Database (IPPD), said Wanguru. Despite the school being located in Ng ethu area of Thika North Kiambu County, pupils have been siting exams from Nairobi with their teachers also being administered from Nairobi. The institution has been participating in cocurriculum activitie, that is, sports, music, drama and debate and attending seminars/workshops in Nairobi. The Board challenged TSC Nairobi County Director, Abdkadir Hassan Ali to produce documents from Nairobi Education Board sanctioning the transfer of the school, teachers and pupils to Kiambu County. The Board claims that there has been antagonism between the Director of IPPD and the teaching staff since August 2011 when the Commission withdrew House allowance payable to Ng ethu Water Works Primary School teachers at the rate of Education News 5 nairobi Education Cabinet Secretay Dr Fred Matiangi, TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia, ready to inspect disribution of exam papers in Voi Sub-County recently. Photo/Collins Akong o Nairobi County which is slightly higher than the rate paid to teachers in Kiambu County. Claimed the Board: Does TSC Nairobi County Director knows that the IPPD Director has been demanding Shs10,000 from every teacher to reinstate the House allowance. The Board observed that every teacher should have received a letter of transfer to Kiambu County from TSC Headquarters as the Director of Nairobi has no power to transfer tutors to stations outside Nairobi County. KNUT Nairobi Branch Executive Secretary, Macharia Mugwe said the Union had been handed the memorandum, and they intend to pursue the matter through legal means if the Commission fails to rescind the decision. We re at the heart of it, the Commission has violated its own rules, more so, TSC has no powers to switch schools from one county to another. We call on TSC Secretary/Chief Executive, Nancy Macharia to act expeditiously and save the situation as the teachers, pupils and parents are not willing to be administered from Kiambu, said Macharia who appeared disturbed. 400 Embakasi pupils benefit from career mentorship programme By Makoma Musyoka More than 400 pupils of Edelvale Primary School in Embakasi benefited from a mentorship programme on career selection. The Kids and Careers session held recently was aimed at boosting learning outcomes in under-resourced public primary schools which mainly serve children from slum areas. It was organised by volunteers working with a non- governmental organisation, PACE (Promoting Access to Community Education). In primary schools whose resources are overstretched by the high student population, PACE volunteers to help children and their teachers by offering free teaching assistance. Speaking to journalists at the school grounds, Ms Nancy Kellie who leads the volunteer team at Edelvale said the programme aims to empower the children with exposure to different careers paths, both in the formal and informal sectors. ''We want to show the children that their background doesn't dictate what their future holds. They too can succeed in reaching their full potential, she said. Through this career and mentorship programme, the kids meet with a diverse team of professionals who are pursuing their dream careers. The children ask questions about jobs they want to pursue after their education. At Edelvale, we invited researchers, engineers, coaches and artists to make the vision of a better future tangible for our students,'' added Wanja Gatumu, Career and Mentorship Coordinator at PACE. The programme targets children aged between 7 and13 and intended to help them build their confidence by consistently exposing them to Kenya s movers and shakers. The mentors make themselves accessible so they can help change the children's mindsets. Instead of despair, we want to encourage the students to dream big with a view of becoming notable people in the society, injects Ms Kellie. Mathematics study plan hits snag in Northern counties By Amoto Dennis The nationwide directive by Ministry of Education to recall 7,500 Standard Two pupils to participate in a Mathematics baseline study hit a hitch in remote northeastern counties of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera. The half-day exercise which ran from November 28 to 30 when Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) ended drew pupils from 300 public schools sampled from all the 47 counties faced a hitch in the arid area as many children had accompanied their nomadic parents who had moved to various parts in search of scarce water and pasture. According Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Garissa branch Executive Secretary, Abdirizak Hussein (pictured), the challenge came about because directive by Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang came late as primary schools had closed. Moreover, he added, the concerned teachers had gone for further studies in various institutions of higher learning both locally and in Uganda. Although he fell short of nam- northern kenya ing the affected schools, he told the press that the exercise would meet less than 100 per cent success because even the few non-local teachers who had remained had travelled to their respective homes outside remote Northeastern region. Dr Kipsang said the survey was aimed at determining the grade two s competence levels in numeracy. In a circular to County Directors of Education, he said pupils required to bring along learning materials for Mathematics lessons. The assessment was supervised by KNEC and it also involved two Mathematics teachers, the Head teachers and Senior teachers from whom relevant data was collected to feed the research, according to the ministry s circular. Repatriation forces refugee candidates to skip national exams By Out Reporter Two hundred and eight nine refugee candidates never sat for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams this year. Out of these, 160 missed KCSE due to the so called ongoing voluntary repatriation. Those sitting the exams are just in it for the sake of it as they lack the morale, knowing once it is over they will head home as the camp closes shop in six months, said the Dadaab Chief Education Officer, Ali Buthul. He explained that 74 candidates who live in Hagadera camp and 64 from Dagahaley camp skipped the exams while 34 senior citizens also didn t sit the exams. As educationists our concern lies with the unknown fate of the children when they eventually return home to Somalia, which offers a nonunified curriculum unlike Kenya, he noted. The refugee education chief fears that when the children eventually return to their homeland in troubled Somalia they will be taught in many languages which will definitely disrupt their smooth learning. He said some children who were sitting this year s exams said it was adequate recalling that when they came to the camp in 2011 their only means of communication was in Somali language. Now I have English and Swahili to add to my language bank, in addition I have learned lots of things that I couldn t have within my educational grasps, at home, said Meimuna Mohamed.

6 6 Education News DECember 2-15, 2016 Varsity watchdog to screen student admissions From page 1 We have already put in place measures to curb malpractices in schools, including exam cheating. Our attention now shifts to Universities where poor governance and incompetent managers have led many such institutions to lose cash, said Dr Matiang i. He made these remarks during the 28th Graduation Ceremony at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where 4,862 graduands were awarded degrees and diplomas. Dr Matiang i said while there are managers who attribute poor performance at their institutions to lack of resources, he insisted that poor governance and incompetence was the main reason Universities could not fully utilize even the little resources that they have, including paying salaries to ghost workers. We have Universities that lack basic systems such as student enrollment software and cannot even safeguard the integrity of their examinations. These are issues that must be dealt with now so that local Universities are able to produce quality graduates that are also globally competitive, said Dr Matiang i. He urged Universities to address issues of corporate governance and management while creating a suitable environment that is suitable for learning and research. The era of University students missing their transcripts and forced to proceed to the next level without knowing their fate or consultants writing thesis for postgraduate students is over, said A section of graduands during JKUAT recent graduation ceremony. Education Ministry plans to crack the whip on student enrolments at local universities. Photo/Patrick Amunavi Dr Matiang i. He also warned Universities against relying on ethnicity and not merit when appointing or rewarding both their Academic or Non-Teaching staff. It is during the general election period that politicians rush to obtain degrees from Universities. I direct all University Councils to ensure that all their admissions meet the set requirements, including contact teaching hours, said Dr Matiang i. He criticized Universities for concentrating on Humanities and Social Sciences yet the economy requires engineers, medical doctors, ICT and agricultural experts among others, creating situation of people without jobs and jobs without people. JKUAT is an exception and is offering courses in Agriculture, Engineering, ICT, Science and Medical sciences, graduates that play important roles in Kenya and the World, said Dr Matiang i. The JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Professor Mabel Imbuga, disclosed that the Varsity has entered into a partnership with Sino Africa Joint Research Centre of China, making this the largest research investment in Africa the Republic of China. This partnership will foster relations between China and Africa in bio-diversity research and conservation of indigenous flora, said Professor Imbuga. JKUAT has also received funding to conduct research in coconut farming and will use its biotechnological research innovations to support coconut growing in Kenya. Professor Imbuga appealed to the Government to increase funding to Universities to address such challenges as inadequate teaching or lack of enough research facilities. Baringo: Controversy over location of varsity rages on By Alfred Kimosop KANU nominated Member of County Assembly, Charles Kamuren (pictured) has said Baringo South will not relent in the tussle over establishment of new university in the area. The fight has attracted the attention of Deputy President William Ruto who wants the location of the university established in Baringo Technical College in Baringo Central. Mr Kamuren told residents that Baringo has enough land required to establish a university as per the Commission for University Education (CUE) requirements. He noted that residents of Baringo South had unanimously agreed on the location of the university in Chemeron. We have support from some leaders from Baringo South who want the university located in Baringo South. The Deputy President should stop politicizing the university issue and welcome the university in the area, said the former Kenya National Union of Teachers Executive Secretary Baringo branch. The politician urged the Deputy President to desist from playing politics over the university and champion the location of the university in the Baringo South. Deputy President during his recent visit to Baringo maintained that the long waited university be located in Baringo Central. However, Baringo Central residents are at loggerheads after a section of the opposing side asked the CUE to locate the university at Baringo Teachers College in Seretunin, Baringo Central. The Baringo Central Public Forum (BCPF) led by Director at e-governmen,r John Sergon during the one-day meeting said none of the preferred three choices by locals meets the CUE the standards. Professionals, with the matter of urgency agreed that Moi Teachers College Seretunin be turned into a Public university. The Education News Team Chief Executive Officer: Peter Silsil Editor-In-Chief: John Machio Managing Editor: John Oyuke Associate Editors: Stephen Makabila, Jackson Okoth, John Nyaosi Sub-Editor: Benjamin Rutto Marketing Manager: Peris Cherono Finance/Credit Control Manager: Stane Kakai HR & Administration Manager: Samuel Chebotibin Accountant: Dianah Chebet Credit Control Officer: Geoffrey Kimetto Moi Teachers College - Seretunin scored 76 per cent while Chemeron and Baringo Technical College scored 65 percent and 49 percent respectively. In their research, the team found that Moi Teachers College despite it being located on a 32 acre piece of land was appropriate for the varsity. Distribution Accountant: Rosemary Juma Receptionist: Rosemary Kaika Marketing Team Ndichu Kamau, Penina Kibet, Tindi Kuchio, Enock Kipturgut, Munene Maina, Jackline Chepkorir, Judy Chepcheng, Collins Akong o, Alfred Kimosop, Kennedy Shivairo, Dennis Bowen, Nelly Komen, John Njoroge, Gloria Makungu, Dorphine Nyaboke. Layout and Design: David Obiero, Pheanious Ondweso Distribution: Peter Suge, Gerald Labatt

7 DECember 2-15, 2016 Education News 7 North Eastern National Polytechnic assures quality, starts new demand-driven courses Joshua Munywoki Kalola, NEP National Poly Principal North Eastern National Polytechnic (NENAP) is laying solid foundation to be the centre of excellence in the provision of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes not only in the larger Northern frontier region but also in the country. Although the institution s student catchment area has been Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Mwingi, Kitui, Machakos Meru, Embu and Isiolo regions, with its new status and national outlook, the institute will now attract students from all over the country. With its new National Polytechnic status, tremendous improvement has been noted in infrastructure and physical facilities and now has a perimeter wall covering its 55 acre compound According to the Principal, Joshua Munywoki, with the new status as a National Polytechnic, the institution plans to open up and offer more courses that befit its new status. We endeavour to provide high quality training and equip the trainees with quality, innovative technical entrepreneurial and research skills, he said. North Eastern National Polytechnic is the former North Eastern Province Technical Training Institute (NEPTTI). The institution became a National Polytechnic through the North Eastern National Polytechnic Legal Order of May 30, 2016, under Legal Notice No 89 provided for in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act The pronouncement has elevated the institution to be the only better option in providing TVET programmes in the larger North Eastern frontier. Situated only 3km from Garissa Central Business District (CBD), the institution started as a National Technical School in early 80s and subsequently became a Technical Training Institute in College gate 1986, a status it has held for three decades before assuming its current status. The institute has greatly contributed to the country s work force by producing many of our business executives and entrepreneurs within the Country and particularly within Garissa County, Mr Munywoki emphasized. He said NENAP envisages increasing the student population through effective outreach programmes geared to popularize the institution from within and around the County. The polytechnic management, he added, has designed an aggressive popularity campaign in Garissa County and its environs. We have physically visited all the secondary schools in the county targeting Form Four candidates and giving them appropriate career talk. We are quite optimistic that this approach will bear fruit come January 2017, said Munywoki. On matters of security, he said after consultation between the management and office of Garissa County Commissioner, a Police Post has been established within the institution. This action was informed by fear and anxiety that griped the entire Garissa County after the infamous terror attack at Garissa University College. This gesture of Police Post has boosted the level of security in the institution to both staff and students. A secure stone perimeter wall has also been constructed similarly to enhance security, the Principal disclosed. The institution is a member of Kenya Association of Technical Training Institution (KATTI) and has actively been participating in staff capacity building seminars and academic trips organized by the organization. Under the same umbrella, it has taken part in extra-curricular activities outside the region and at National level. The institution is also a member of Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA), and has participated in various forum organized by both the organization within and outside the Country. The institution has excellent training facilities, serene learner environment and is ready to provide quality training and competencies required in the job market. Scholarships and partnership programmes The institution in partnership with stakeholders in education has been availing opportunities for less fortunate students to acquire sponsorship. The institution has been partnering with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Garissa and Dadaab including NRC, DRC, LWF, SAVE the Children, Red Cross, CDF Bursaries and HELB/ TVET loans among others. There are full and partial scholarships administered every year; to qualify, one must be a registered student. The polytechnic currently has a number of courses spread along various departments that include the following: Academic programmes Automotive Engineering: Artisan to diploma Building and Civil Engineering: Certificate and diploma Electronics and Electrical Engineering:certificate and diploma Computing and Information Technology: Packages, certificate and diploma Human Resource Management: Certificate and diploma Clothing and Textile: Skills, New Electrical / Electronic lab NORTH EASTERN NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC P. O. BOX Garissa, Kenya Tel: Fax: neptti@yahoo.com, info@neptechnical.ac.ke Web: VISION: To be a centre of excellence in the development and provision of innovative technical, vocational, education and training (TVET) programs. MISSION: To nurture and impart TVET knowledge, skills and attitudes through research, innovation and technology for self-reliance and national development. CORE VALUES: Discipline Equity Creativity and innovativeness Team work Transparency Accountability and integrity Networking Collaboration and benchmarking. COURSES OFFERED COURSE NAME COURSE EXAMINATION DURATION LEVEL BODY DIPLOMA COURSES HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT HND 1 YEAR KNEC AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING HND 2 YEARS KNEC INFORMATION STUDIES HND 1 YEAR KNEC ENTREPRENUERSHIP HND 1 YEAR KNEC SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH KNEC BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC ACCOUNTANCY DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC COMPUTERIZED SECRETARIAL STUDIES MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC ATD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KASNEB CPA I TO VI DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KASNEB INFORMATION STUDIES LIBRARY (BLOCK) DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC DIP.BUILDING TECHNOLOGY MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC DIP.BUILDING & CIVILENGINEERING MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA 3 YEARS KNEC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & SOCIAL WORK MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (BLOCK) DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MOD I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS EACH MOD KNEC COMPUTER STUDIES (BLOCK) DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC NUTRITION AND DIETETICS MODULE I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC PROJECT MANAGEMENT MODULAR I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC SALES AND MARKETING DIPLOMA 2 YEARS KNEC DIGITAL JOURNALISM MODULE I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC BROADCAST JOURNALISM MODULE I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC PRINT JOURNALISM MODULE I TO III DIPLOMA 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC CERTIFICATE COURSES INFORMATION STUDIES LIBRARY(BLOCK) CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC COMPUTERIZED SECRETARIAL STUDIES MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 6 MONTHS EACH MODULE KNEC BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & SOCIAL WORK(BLOCK) CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 6 MONTHS EACH MODULE KNEC SECRETARIAL SINGLE & GROUP STUDIES CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR PER MODULE KNEC BUILDING TECHNOLOGY MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR PER MODULE KNEC MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 6 MONTHS EACH MODULE KNEC GARMENT MAKING CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC WELDING & FABRICATION MOD I AND II CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR PER MODULE KNEC NUTRITION AND DIETETICS MOD I TO III CERTIFICATE 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC PROJECT MANAGEMENT MOD I TO III CERTIFICATE 2 TERMS PER MODULE KNEC ARTISAN COURSES ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC WELDING & FABRICATION CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC GARMENT MAKING CERTIFICATE 2 YEARS KNEC VOCATIONAL & SKILLS UPGRADING DRESS MAKING & TAILORING CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR NENAP CBET HAIRDRESSING BEAUTY THERAPY(LEVEL I TO III) CERTIFICATE EACH LEVEL 3 MONTHS NENAP CBET ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS(LEVEL I TO III) CERTIFICATE EACH LEVEL 3 MONTHS NENAP CBET COMPUTER STUDIES(LEVEL I TO III) CERTIFICATE EACH LEVEL 3 MONTHS NENAP CBET BUILDING(LEVEL I TO III) CERTIFICATE EACH LEVEL 3 MONTHS NENAP CBET AUTOMOTIVE(LEVEL I TO III) CERTIFICATE EACH LEVEL 3 MONTHS NENAP SOLAR INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE 1 MONTH NENAP ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE 1 TERM NENAP COMPUTER PACKAGES CERTIFICATE 1 TERM NENAP TIE & DYE CERTIFICATE 1 TERM NENAP Applications, including photo copies of academic certificates, should be addressed to the Principal, North Eastern National Polytechnic, P.O. Box , Garissa. artisan, certificate and diploma Munywoki said with new status as a National Polytechnic, NENAP will soon launch new departments and start new demand-driven courses based on the requirements of the job market. Applications, including photo copies of academic certificates, should be addressed to the Principal, North Eastern National Polytechnic, P.O. Box , Garissa. NORTH EASTERN NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC is ISO 9001:2008 Certified

8 8 taita taveta Taita Taveta MP, Dr Naomi Shaban with Deputy County Commissoiner, Henry wafula. Photo/Collins Akong o By Collins Akong o Parents have been urged to explore ways of instilling good morals in their school-going pupils and students. Taita Taveta MP Naomi Shaban said parents should lead by example and be good role models for their children. The future of children depends on how you set their background. Be responsible and avoid everything which might break the learning of these kids, education news coast Teach children moral values, parents urged taita taveta Tycoon mulls Academic Award for bright students A real estate investor plans to set up a new prize to help bright but poor Mwakishimba Primary School children continue with education. Kilifi town-based Telle Zafanana Real Estate Agents CEO, Noel Mwatati Mwakitele pledged to be giving a trophy and cash Sh20,000 prize to the best pupil or candidate from the Wundanyi Constituency schools who achieve the highest mean score in the KCPE examination every year. During the education stakeholders forum held at the school recently, it was noted with concern that over the years, candidates from the school had been trailing in the national examinations. - Kese Werugha she said and asked parents to take children to school. Meanwhile, Dr. Shaban has condemned the increasing cases of in child defilement in the county, saying the resulting trauma could affect the growth of the children. Students of Mwakitawa Girls Secondary School greets Governor John Mruttu when he paid a visit to the school recently. Photo/Collins Akong'o mombasa Students stage protest over terrorism University students staged a peace walk through the streets of Mombasa to protest terror groups habit of targeting institutions of higher learning. This is in the wake of a report indicating 40 local youths some of whom are campus students have disappeared without trace. Executive Director of the Muslim for Human Rights, Hassan Ibdile disclosed that some of the missing youths were university and college students and could have joined terror groups such as Al Shabaab. The students, under the forum of Jumuiya Ya Wanafunzi Wa Pwani (Juwapwa), have launched a campaign aimed at making institutions of higher learning safe from terror. - Samuel Kihara kilifi Why married men fear sharing classrooms with their wives Married men in the county do not want to share adult education classrooms with their wives, according to a Department of Adult and Continuing Education official. David Thengele, the County Director said many men feel ashamed when their wives outshine them in the classes and do not want to join them. "Embarrassed men are ashamed in class by their smart wives in learning and majority of them stop attending classes. However, I must praise the women for being hard working as this has made them to perform better despite their other family chores," he said at a recent Adult Education Sensitization Day in Kilifi town. - Our Reporter tana river Schools hit by bed bug infestation Students in the region are being forced to skip school following a severe bed bug infestation. According to a resident of Madogo slums, many schools in Tana North Sub-County have been hit hard by severe bed influx. He said some children have dropped out of school due to deplorable conditions they live in at home. Area Education Officer, Dadho Komora said that despite the Red Cross providing shoes the situation hasn t improved. This, he regretted, was to the detriment of education standards. Human right activist Cantona Katelo confirmed that so bad is the state of bed bugs in schools that learners are dropping out of school. - Amoto Dennis Police in Mwatate Sub- County have arrested a 19-year-old Form Two student at Elijah Mzae Secondary School for defiling three underage boys. The suspect was apprehended at Kungu area in Mwatatea fter he was identified by his victims who accused him of having sodomized them since Confirming the arrest, DECember 2-15, 2016 kwale Parents warned against child labour Parents in the county have been warned against engaging school children in child labour. Speaking to Education News in his office in Kwale town recently, new County Commissioner, Kutswa Olaka lamented that many school-age children are being involved in child labour, selling charcoal parked into 50kg bags which they carry on their heads. He said such parents were contravening the Children s Act by denying children their right to education. He urged parents in the county to take education of their children seriously and offer children equal educational opportunities irrespective of gender. Olaka said parents failing to take their children to school will be arrested. -Tsozungu Kombe lamu Construction of 45 ECDE centres complete The County Government has completed construction of 45 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres in both Lamu West and East Sub- Counties at a cost of Sh90 million. According to Governor IssaTimamy the move is meant to raise standards of education in the region. Speaking in Lamu recently, Mr Timamy said construction of 11 more ECDE centres will be completed before end of this year to bring the total number of the centres to 56 as set out in the county s development agenda. He said his administration had also employed more than 50 ECDE teachers up from the previous seven. - Our Reporter taita taveta Student from Mwatate arrested for defilement Mwatate OCPD Francis Mwangi said that a parent to one of the victims had noticed her son walking strangely and demanded to know what was wrong. The child had revealed that he had been sodomized by the suspect severally in the bush which prompted the parent to report the matter to the police. - Collins Akong o.

9 DECember 2-15, education news Pomp and colour as Bumbe TTI holds first graduation ceremony Compliant Ministry of Education Science and Technology BUMBE TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE Vision: To be a centre of excellence in research, innovation and technical training Mission: To provide research driven technical and entrepreneurial training,нfor self-reliance in a competitive market and national production system Please submit your application to The Principal Bumbe T.T.I, P.O Box FUNYULA OR Call Him on / / OR apply on line. Visit our website on Calestus Wanjala Omilo, Princiapal Bumbe TTI By Tindi Kuchio A celebratory mood and excitement engulfed Bumbe Technical Training Institute (BTTI) in Busia County a couple of days ago when the institution marked its first ever graduation ceremony. It was a fun-filled day as one of the biggest crowds ever seen in Bumbe and Samia SubCounty in the recent times gathered to witness a number of students who were studying at the institute graduate. The special occasion doubled up as the launch of the institution s second Strategic Plan ( ). It was presided over by Samuel Otieno, Administrative Secretary at the State Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) who represented Principal Secretary, Dina Mwinzi. Guests were thrilled with the various forms of entertainment that had been lined up as students at the institution moved to assert their superiority in drama, traditional dances, music, poems and choral verses. When he took to the rostrum to speak, the institution s Principal, Calestus Wanjala Omilo revealed that the training facility had churned out more than 450 graduates since its inception making it one of the leading human resources First Lady Judy Ojaamong and Bumbe TTI BoG Chair, Prof. John Shiundu. development and capacity building centres in the country. He added that the graduating team was made up of various professionals such as furniture technologists, electricians, plumbers, masons, mechanics, accountants, social workers and workers in the hospitality sector and entrepreneurs, just to name but a few. The college administrator noted that graduates had been tutored and mentored by highly qualified staff comprising of 54 trainers and 38 non-teaching staff. Our trainers have been responsible for training, research project supervision and dissemination of their academic work. Through their efforts, we have managed to grow the student population from about 60 students in the late 90s to now 350, said Omilo. He disclosed that Bumbe TTI had been confirmed by Kenya Bureau of Standards as ISO 9001: 2008 certified and was ranked position eight countywide in the 2012 performance contracting evaluation of tertiary institutions. The impressive performance, he noted, vindicates the systems the college had consciously put in place for the last decade which were now bearing fruits. Omilo said that the great work of students and staff had raised the visibility of the institution in the country, adding that a lot more was on the way. The Principal thanked the Government through the Ministry of Education for the continued support that had seen the institution put up Tuition Block which also houses the library Chief Guest, Samuel Otieno and computer laboratory. Other structures which have been put in place include; Institutional Management Block, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Block and the ongoing Building and Civil Engineering Workshop. He confirmed that the institution had recently acquired Interactive Smart Board to boost Information and Communications Technology (ICT) integration in teaching and learning. In its Strategic Plan ( ), the institution has envisaged establishing a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Engineering among other new relevant courses. About Sh200 million is required to put in place the envisaged project and to pursue other related development strategies. The Principal appealed to County Government of Busia and Funyula Constituency Development Fund Committee to assist the institution to acquire more land next to Lake Victoria to enable it mount courses in Maritime Engineering. We intend to come up with a Science Laboratory to support our engineering courses as well as construct a modern Resource Centre in readiness to mount courses in Maritime Engineering. We urge the national Government through our parent Ministry of Education to support Bumbe TTI towards this important development agenda, Omilo appealed. н Chairman Prof. Bumbe TTI Board of Governors John Shiundu on his part thanked the area MP Dr. Paul Otuoma for contributing money from the Funyula CDF kitty that enabled the institution to acquire a bus. He urged the Government and other stakeholders including the County Government of Busia and Funyula CDF committee to consider supporting the institution in completing some of the stalled projects like the ICT complex. Prof. Shiundu said the building which requires Sh6 million will improve the image of the institution once completed. He noted that the institution s launch of the second Strategic Plan underscored the need for provision of quality services through improved infrastructure, ICT integration and staff development among others. Bumbe TTI is currently mentoring Bunyala TTI in Budalang i Constituency, Dr. Daniel Wako TTIMurende in Matayos Constituency, Okame TTI in Teso South Constituency and Chamasiri TTI in Teso North Constituency. Present during the graduation cum launch of the institution s second Strategic Plan ( ) event were County Government of Busia Deputy Governor, Kizito Wangalwa, Busia County First Lady Judy Ojaamong and the TVET County Director for Busia and Bungoma George Olewe. Also in attendance were members of the TVET fraternity namely; Benadette Canute, Chief Principal Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Jorim Guya, Principal Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT), Maren Omondi, Principal Shamberere TTI, Janet Otuya, Principal Bushiangala TTI, Fanuel Onyango, Principal Matili TTI and Tom Mulati, Principal of Kisiwa Technical Training Institute. Graduands during graduation ceremony &,&7 &%0 &60 &,&7 &HUWLILFDWH LQ,&7 ' $57,6$1 <56.1(& &%0 &HUWLILFDWH LQ %XVLQHVV 0JW &60 &HUWLILFDWH LQ 6XSSO\ &KDLQ 0JW ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED

10 10 EDUCATION NEWS DECember 2-15, 2016

11 DECember 2-15, 2016 education news 11 Key allowances for 26,256 teachers stopped By John Machio Confusion and uncertainty has gripped teachers in Public schools following a directive by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) that Special School and Responsibility allowances for 26,256 tutors be stopped with immediate effect to allow fresh vetting of affected teachers to determine who qualifies to earn the perks. The directive issued in two separate Internal Memos by the Acting Deputy Director Integrated Personnel Payroll Database, Mr Julius Ndege states that the affected teachers would undergo fresh vetting to establish if they deserve earning Responsibility and Special school allowances. The memos addressed to Digit Heads Human ResourceManagement are, however, in direct conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which was signed on October 25, 2016 between unions and TSC. The Internal Memos state that after the vetting exercise, the Commission will extend payment of the two allowances for another three years, yet the CBA collapsed the allowances into salaries. In the first memo (TSC/HRM7D/OM/1/ VOL. 1/83) dated October 19, 2016,Ndege directs Digit Heads to vet 7,299 cases for the payment of responsibility allowance. States Ndege: In the month of October 2016, 23,949 cases of Responsibility allowance were stopped by the IPPD system after Delegates follow proceedings during the Kenya Teachers Colleges Principals' Association (KTCPA) 5th Annual Conference at Reef Nyali Hotel Mombasa recently. Photo/Andrew Ngea the three year period ended. We have linked the payroll for September 2013 when they were effected with the current payroll and isolated teachers who have been transferred within the period. Attached is a list of 7,299 transferred cases for vetting of the files as per the procedure for payment of Responsibility allowance. The rest of the cases will be cascaded to the counties for verification of the stations by the County Directors as agreed in the Human Resource Management meeting. In second memo (TSC/IPPD/ HRM&D/50/VOL.1/76), Ndege orders Digit Heads to review the status of Special Needs Teachers with a view to extending their allowance (Special School Allowance) for the next three years. Revelations that the Commission has suspended Special School Allowance for 2,307 teachers until they regularize their status as per the requirement of the law continues to cause anxiety and panic as affected teachers are not sure of which document to honour. The Commission in an Internal Memo dated October 26, 2017 a day after signing of the CBA, states that majority of Special School Allowance cases that were approved by the Special School Allowance Committee expired on October 1, 2016, hence this cadre of teachers are not entitled to the perks. Ndege directs Digit Heads to review each case with a view to extending the allowance for a further three years. The Director states in part: The majority of SSA cases that were approved by the SSA Committee expired on October 1, Subsequently, 2,307 cases have been automatically stopped by the system. The purpose of this memo is to submit lists for each Digit to review and extend for a further three years. Kindly take due diligence and check if the circumstances for payment have changed over the last three years and act accordingly. The memo is copied to Director Human Resource Management and Development, Senior Deputy Director Human Resource Management, Deputy Director Human Resource Management and Deputy Director Field Services. The Commission deploys teachers trained in Special Needs Education (SNE) to teach in Special Schools, Units and Integrated programmes both in Primary and Secondary schools. The SNE teachers work in close liaison with Education Assessment Resource Centre Coordinators who are Special Needs Education experts in the county. County Directors supervise, monitor and evaluate performance of SNE teachers in consultation with Education Assessment Resource Centre Coordinators in the county. The directors also maintain a database on all Special Schools, Units and Integrated programmes both in Primary and Secondary schools.

12 12 EDUCATION NEWS DECember 2-15, 2016 varsity bulletin Court orders UASU to hold fresh elections By Stephen Makabila Prof Sammy Kubasu After five months of raging post-election court battles, the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) will now hold repeat elections on December 13, 2016 following a court order. And unlike the last elections held on July 22, 2016 in the Lakeside city of Kisumu, the repeat elections will be held in Nairobi at the University of Nairobi s main campus. The order by the Industrial Court dated November 18, 2016, seen by Education News, stated in part, Uasu shall call and conduct fresh elections for national office bearers within 30 days, weekend inclusive. This was after cancellation of the July 22, election following an appeal filed by Uasu National Chairman Prof Sammy Kubasu, who had contested for position of Secretary General in the July elections. The July elections had been won by Constantine Opiyo as Secretary General and Prof Muga K Olale (the current Secretary General) as chairman. On November 20, 2016, the National Executive Committee (NEC) chaired by Kubasu settled on December 13, as the date for repeat elections as directed by the Court. The nomination process was scheduled to run from November 21 up to December 1, paving way for official campaigns to kick off. While the union represents over 10,000 lecturers in public universities, elections is through the delegates system where only slightly over 400 delegates will congregate to elect their national leaders through secret balloting. The court is expected to approve Uasu s budget for the repeat election and sanction withdrawal, given the Union s bank accounts still stand frozen owing to the raging court battles that have been experienced over the last five months. When Uasu s NEC met on November 20 at the Union headquarters at UniAfric House, the popular feeling was that the elections be held at Kasarani stadium but the idea was shelved due to financial limitations. In fact the University of Nairobi offered the election venue for free, a member of NEC told Education News. The battle for Uasu s national leadership is likely to be a repeat between the Kubasu team and that of Opiyo and K Olale. Insiders say factors that may influence the results of the repeat election could be ethnicity and balancing of positions between various chapters. Currently, Uasu has a total of 31 chapters though four of them will not participate in the repeat elections because they are not fully registered. The four are Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, South-Eastern Kenya University (SEUKU), Garissa University College, and Embu University. Opiyo and K Olale are both from Luo Nyanza and there are those within Uasu who feel both the position of Chairman and Secretary General cannot be held by persons from the same ethnic group, pointed out a Uasu member from the University of Kabianga. It is also understood that in the last elections, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) had higher representation of elected officials. This may be trimmed this time round in the spirit of balancing. Karumo Technical all set for competitive training John Kimemia, Principal By Titus Murithi Located in Tigania West, Athwana Location, 27 kilometres from Meru town along Makutano-Maua road three kilometers before the turn off at Kwa Amos on the Isiolo highway, Karumo Technical Training Institute s imposing modern structures beckon any visitor from a distance. Flow meter demostration machine. The fully Government-sponsored technical training institute that specializes in civil engineering boasts of state-of-the-art machines Computer laboratory. and equipment. It offers diploma and certificate courses which take three and two years respectively. Diploma courses include civil engineering, building technology, architecture, quantity surveying, land surveying, ICT and accounting technology among others. Certificate courses taking two years include masonry, plumbing, land surveying, information communication technology (ICT) and carpentry among others. The institute was put up in 2014 and admitted 46 pioneer students the following year. Currently it has 150 students in Engineering and 28 in ICT taking various diploma and certificate courses.talking to Education News in his office, the Principal, John Kimemia said the institute has the most modern machines and equipment supplied by the National Government to offer quality and advanced training to students wishing to take technical courses. He said technical courses are in high demand in developing countries, adding: Such countries need well trained people to put up structures which in turn boost development. Kenya, Kimemia noted, requires people trained in technical fields to put up housing estates, construct roads, bridges, dams, airports, electricity installation and water systems. He disclosed A section of the training institute that machines and equipment in all the institute s departments are brand new and in operation. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY KARUMO TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE ALONG MERU ROAD 3KM OFF KWA AMOS JUNCTION P.O. BOX KIANJAI CELLPHONE karumotti@gmail.com INTAKE IS ONGOING - APPLY NOW! The Institute is among 13 other such institutes established under the GOK and African Development Bank program in Kenya. The institute is one of the ultra-modern tertiary Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) institution established to develop human capital for the three pillars of Vision 2030 by the National Government. Its main aim is to provide smart and practical technology innovations to cater for emerging industrial needs by enabling access, equity and quality in technical education. The mission of KTTI is anchored to the core values of integrity, respect for diversity and profession. Providing a globally competitive and quality education, training and research in line with Kenya Vision 2030 BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING COURSES S/No Course title Duration Intake Minimum requirements Exam body 1 Diploma in Civil Engineering 3 Modules Jan/Sep KCSE C- (Minus) KNEC 2 Diploma in Building Technology 3 Modules Jan/Sep KCSE C- (Minus) KNEC 3 Diploma in Land Surveying 3 Years Jan/Sep KCSE C- (Minus) KNEC 4 Diploma in Quantity Surveying 3 years Jan/Sep KCSE C- (Minus) KNEC 5 Diploma in Architecture 3 Modules Jan/Sep KCSE C- (Minus) KNEC 6 Certificate in Land Surveying 2 Years May KCSE D (Plain) KNEC 7 Certificate Building Technology 2 Modules Jan/Sep KCSE D (Plain) KNEC 8 Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery 2 Years May KCSE D (Plain) KNEC 9 Certificate in Plumbing 2 Years May KCSE D (Plain) KNEC 10 Artisan in Masonry 2 Years Jan KCSE D- (Minus) KNEC II Artisan in Plumbing 2 Years Jan KCSE D- (Minus) KNEC INFORMATION COMMUNICATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COURSES COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY COURSES 12 Diploma in Information Communication Technology 3 Modules Jan/may/Sep KCSE C- (Minus) KNEC 13 Certificate in Information Communication Technology 2 Modules Jan/may/Sep KCSE D (Rain) KNEC 14 Computer Application Packages 2 Months open Open to all KTTI 15 Computers Repairs and Maintenance 1 Month open Open to all KTTI KASNEB COURSES KASNEB COURSES 16 Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) Level 1 1 Semester Jan/July KCSE C- (Minus) and above KASNEB 17 Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) Level 11 1 Semester Jan/July Pass in ATD Level 1 KASNEB 18 Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD) Level Semester Jan/July Pass in ATD level 11 KASNEB 19 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Section 1 1 Semester Jan/July KCSE C+ (Plus) with C+ in mathematics and English or pass ATD Level 11 or degree from a recognized university KASNEB 20 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Section 11 1 Semester Jan/July Pass in CPA Section 1 KASNEB 21 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Sec lll&iv 1 Semester Jan/July Pass in relevant sections KASNEB Apply to The Principal P.O. Box Kianjai, Tel: KARUMO TECHNICAL NB: KASNEB Registration closes on, karumotti@gmail.com Enclosing copies of ID card, Birth Certificate, Academic IS A VISION 2030 Apply to The Principal P.O. Box Kianjai, Enclosing copies of ID card, Birth Certificate, Academic Certificates and non-refundable fee of Certificates and non-refundable fee of Ksh. 500 to be deposited in Karumo TTI A/C no. FLAGSHIP PROJECT Ksh. 500 to be deposited in Karumo TTI A/C no Equity Bank Meru-Makutano Branch. Deposits may be at any branch country wide Equity Bank Meru-Makutano Branch. Deposits may be at any branch Include your mobile number in your application letter. ADMISSIONS: KARUMO country wide. TECHNICAL Include your IS A mobile VISION number 2030 FLAGSHIP in your application PROJECT letter. JANUARY, MAY, SEPTEMBER

13 DECember 2-15, 2016 EDUCATION NEWS 13 New Siala TTI targets massive recruitment of students By John Ochieng Siala Technical Institute is slowly changing the technical training landscape of Migori County as it opens doors to more students, recruits teaching staff and expands existing hostel facilities. Due to the fast growth in student enrolment and expansion of our infrastructure facilities, we will soon need to recruit more teachers and hope that the Government will also assist us in this regard, said Wilson Oroni, Principal of Siala Technical Institute. Established on a 50-Hectares piece of land set between River Misadhi and River Nyandito, Siala Technical offers a serene learning environment, is secure and has its focus on churning out job creators. It is one of the 13 newly established Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions whose functions are spelt out under the Education Act, The Government plans to set up a TVET in each Sub-County in Kenya. Siala TTI replaces the former Moi Institute of Technology (MIT) which was taken over by Rongo University. The Institute has already admitted a total of 403 students, taking up courses in business and technical subjects. This number is still below its student capacity of 440 students. Our training programs are meant to equip students with technical and business skill that will enable them compete in the job market. I am confident that those who take up technical courses will have opportunities in the technical and industrial sectors, said Oroni. Admissions are ongoing at the Institute, which relies on research, technology and innovation as well as more contact time between leaners and teachers, to drive its programs. Our focus is to churn out high calibre graduates who are able to fit into the competitive job market. The institute has put emphasis on delivering quality training that is also relevant to the needs of the job market, said Oroni. Lady students are housed in the Youth Empowerment Fo- Mr Wilson Oroni, Principal. rum Building near Nyarach Primary School, 200 metres from the Rongo-Homa-Bay road. The 350 pioneer students at course code course Title Siala Technical have been offered full scholarship by the NGCDF Rongo under the able leadership of the Hon. Dalmas Otieno who has a focus on education for the youth in the constituency. The Institute plans to install CCTV cameras to enhance student security. I urge those students who have completed secondary education to take advantage of opportunities offered by the Technical Institute to sharpen their Students going through a practical lesson at the well-equipped workshop. Siala Technical Institute P.O. BOX , RONGO sialainstitute@gmail.com Office: COURSES OFFERED BuSineSS entreprenuership and liberal DePaRTMenT Duration Minimum Requirement exam Body DSM Diploma in Supply Chain Management (Module i, II, III) 3 Years KCSEC-( Minus) KNEC CSM Craft Certificate in Supply Chain Management (Module 1, II) 2 Years KCSE D (PLAIN ) KNEC DCSW Diploma in Social Work and Community Development (Mod. 1, II, III) 3 Years KCSEC-( Minus) KNEC CSW Craft Certificate in Social Work and Community Development (Mod. 1, II) 3 Terms KCSE D (PLAIN ) KNEC CPA Certified Public Accountant Part 1 6 Months Pass in ATD or KCSE C+ (Math, KASNEB Eng. C+) ATD Accounting Technician Diploma 6 Months KCSEC-( Minus) KASNEB computer STuDieS DePaRTMenT Siala Technical Students learning how to use some of the modern equipment at the Institute s workshop. skills, said Onyango Ngare, Rongo CDF Chairman. Siala Technical Institute has well equipped mechanical and welding workshops although it faces shortage of teachers. The staffing position is still a challenge but we are optimistic that TSC is addressing the problem. While the Board of Management has hired a total of 18 tutors to meet the staff shortfall, only 7 teachers have been posted by the Teachers Service Commission. We expect more TSC teachers as our student numbers increase, said Ngare. ICTD Diploma in Information Communication Technology (Module 1, II, ill) 3 years KCSEC- (Minus) KNEC ICTC Craft Certificate in Information Communication Technology (Mod. 1, II) 2 years KCSE D (PLAIN) KNEC DICT Diploma in Information Communication Technology 6 Months KCSEC- (Minus) KASNEB CCIT Certified Information Communication Technologist Part 1 6 Months KCSE C+ (Math, Eng. C+) KASNEB engineering DePaRTMenT DEE Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Module 1, II & III) 3 years KCSEC- (Minus) KNEC EEC Craft Certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Module 1, II) 2 years KCSE D (Plain) KNEC EEA Artisan in Electrical and Electronics Engineering 1 year KCPE KNEC DME Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Diploma (Module 1, II, III) 3 years KCSEC- (Minus) KNEC DBC Diploma in Building and Construction Engineering (module 1, II, III) 3 years KCSEC- (Minus) KNEC CBC Craft Certificate in Building and Construction Engineering (Module 1) 2 years KCSE D (Plain) KNEC WFC Craft Certificate in Welding and Fabrication (Module 1, II) 2 years KCSE D (Plain) KNEC

14 I E E I 14 education news DECember 2-15, 2016 C I V R S E & J U KNUT S T C E KENYA NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS (KNUT) 59th Annual Delegates Conference At Moi International Sports Centre Nairobi From December 6th to 8th, 2016 KNUT Achieves Major Milestone in Signing CBA MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL Ladies and gentlemen, it s my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 59th Edition of Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Annual Delegates Conference at Moi International Sports Centre Gymnasium Kasarani, Nairobi. Comrades, it s gratifying to note that the ADC is historic in nature and in the programme of the Union. Indeed, it s a moment of great fulfillment for KNUT members, more so, it comes at a time when the Union has just achieved a major milestone in terms of signing the first ever Collective Bargaining Agreements that are now registered with the Industrial Court. The CBAs are legally binding, and meet the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, and codifies gains made by the Union over 59 years of its existence. Indeed, this lays a firm and lasting foundation for reduced ugly confrontation with the employer, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Government in general and foster respectful and professional engagement with the Commission and the Government. Colleagues in the struggle, this year s Conference shall be graced by all former national officials, and we will make it a tradition for them to continue honouring future ADCs so as to preserve the institutional memory of the trade movement. I would like to bring to the attention of the delegates that the Union witnessed the registration of national and branch officials by the Registrar of Trade Unions following branch and national elections held between February and March this year. We welcome the new officials namely, Brother Hesbon Otieno (Deputy Secretary-General), Collins Oyuu (Assistant Secretary-General, James Ndiku (Deputy National Treasurer) and Brother Abdi Hussein (Assistant National Treasurer). The remaining officials were re-elected in their previous positions. We also welcome on board 16 newly elected National Executive Council (NEC) members from the eight regions. KSSHA, KEPSHA and People With Disabilities shall have their space in the NEC henceforth. Targeted training programmes will be rolled out in 2017 to build capacities of leadership at all levels. NEC calls on KNUT staff at branches and national level to continue serving the Union with dedication and loyalty to enhance service delivery to members. Ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, following the bruising legal battles KNUT had with TSC and the Government on the other hand, and the decisions generated by the courts, and the resolutions of the 58th ADC, we did commence negotiations with the Government towards signing a CBA. Through the intervention of His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyata KNUT had successful negotiations that culminated in the signing of the first ever CBA between the teachers and TSC on June 21st, P.O. Box Nairobi, Kenya Mobile: , , knut@knut.or.ke Mr. Wilson Sossion, MBS The Collective Bargaining Agreement was for July 1st, 2013 to June 30th, The CBA contains largely the expression of the commitment and recognitions of the benefits that our members were already enjoying. It did not contain the basic salary component. The Union agreed to the execution of this agreement as the entry point of negotiations on the basic salary component which it had provided for to commence by July 1st, 2016 and be concluded by October In the month of October 2016, the Commission further engaged KNUT in continuous negotiations that gave birth to the July 1st, 2017 to June 30th 2021 CBA which was signed in Naivasha on October 24th, 2016 witnessed by NEC members. The Union would wish to thank the President for his personal and direct intervention, and the goodwill demonstrated by the Government to see that teachers in Kenya are legally covered by a CBA. The Government is to spend Shs54 billion to fully implement this agreement. Comrades, this CBA, indeed, acknowledges the value of work a teacher is engaged in, and recognizes the need to compensate besides classroom work, the administrative work and the responsibility that goes with it. The classroom teacher who certainly is the main feature of a pupil s life in school, needs more recognition. We appreciate that we cannot achieve everything at once; this limb of our demand is one of our working stock at the moment. KNUT is keen on closing on the gap between the highest and lowest paid teacher. It s worth noting that under the new dispensation, a P1 Teacher is no longer in the same rank and group with Clerical staff in the mainstream Civil Service whose qualifications are far much below what a teacher attains. The grading has also enhanced competitiveness and going forward, teachers in the Public Service will objectively be able to progress through the ranks. Following the signing of the CBA, KNUT wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Labour Social Security and Services to gazette the Agency fee for the Commission to commence deductions in line with Section 49 of the Labour Relations Act where a Union is entitled to the fee from wages of each un-unionsable teacher covered by the CBA who is not a member of the Union. This is a process that we trust shall be concluded soonest. KNUT is aiming at making teachers understand and appreciate the importance of being a member of the Union. Ladies and gentlemen, KNUT would wish to thank Australia Union of Education for funding the campaign against privatization and commercialization of education. Highlighting of education as a stand-alone in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a great commitment to the world in terms of delivery of quality education to all as catalyst to the achievements of the other 16 goals, and a pacesetter to address the gaps identified in the Global Monitoring Report after MDGs and Education For All (EFA) Goals Governments world over have put in place policies and frameworks to fast track systems in the delivery of education to all with a focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized. Indeed, it s against this backdrop that we re now calling on the National Government to honour its international, regional and national obligations on matters of education. Comrades in the struggle, there is a shortage of 87,489 teachers with Primary schools having a deficit of 39,913 while Secondary schools have 47,576 teachers less. According to TSC, there is a huge Nairobi teachers led by KNUT Executive Secretary, Macharia Mugwe (fourth from right) march in the streets to mark World Teachers Day on October 5. Picture by John Machio. Website: Venue: Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi staffing challenge caused by the high enrolment rate, thanks to Free Primary and Affordable Secondary Education. The commission launched Shs16 billion Strategic Plan that acknowledges the need to address the teachers deficit. AS a result of this shortage, we wish to demand that TSC employs immediately 100,000 teachers to address the teacher shortage. Branch officials must always prioritize programmes for recruitment of new members and encourage them to join the Union. Branches are to offer incentives among the top recruiting branch officials so as to enhance competition for recruitment, thereby leading to the highest growth in recruitment. NEC has noted with concern the declining union membership in many branches due to interference by TSC in its unfair validation process. Analysis shows that in August 2015, the total KNUt membership was 197,555 and in October 2016, the membership had dropped to 180,464. The total number of teachers in the country currently stands at 309,635. NEC recommends that branch leadership intensifies recruitment of new members in all learning institutions for the Union to meet the minimum of 70% membership in every branch. KNUT has supported KNEC commitment in ensuring that there is objectivity and fairness in the conduct of the national examinations this year; and commends the Ministry of Education in curbing cheating in national tests. Indeed, we applaud and appreciate the role of Head teachers and Principals in schools for promoting academic excellence, instilling discipline in learners and monitoring teachers. The work done by the Principals and Head teachers is far above that of supervisors, and should be compensated more than any other contracted professionals. There is need to increase the allowances paid to contracted professionals, more so, increase the distribution centres; especially in the hardship areas. KNEC nominated 30 officials from KNUT to take part in the monitoring of national examinations this year which is quite commendable. The Union position is that malpractices should not be tolerated at all to bring back sanity to examinations. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is in the process of reviewing and overhauling in totality our curriculum to be in tandem with international trends, and the need of the 21st Centaury. KNUT has interrogated the proposal and KICD has done a presentation of the same. It appears the process is tilted towards formative assessment as opposed to summative. It seeks to identify talents early, gives clear pathways to the achievements of those talents with a grounded principle that no child fails. As teachers, our success is that no child fails and all children going through our hands will achieve good lives. C I V R S E & J U KNUT S T C E

15 I E E I DECember 2-15, 2016 education news 15 C I V R S E & J U KNUT S T C E MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN Welcome you all to the 58th Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) at Moi International Sports Centre Gymnasium Kasarani, Nairobi. Ladies and gentlemen, it s indeed a great honour for all of us to be part of this historic, and quite memorable KNUT Conference especially at this time when Kenyan teachers are still celebrating two Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) signed within a span of four months The and the CBAs. May I seize the earliest opportunity to express my gratitude and hope that all teachers in attendance are very keen to participate in the proceedings, and will be part of all that will be resolved at this Delegates Conference. KNUT Head Office feel proud hav- MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL TREASURER Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Annual Delegates Conference; l call on each and every one of you to participate fully in the proceedings of this congregation whose outcome would define, and accordingly set the national agenda for teachers in As we mark the 59th Edition of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Nairobi, first and foremost l would wish as a matter of urgency to remind the Government and its agencies to get more committed to implementing its international, regional and national commitments to education if teachers of this great nation are to be effective in service delivery. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Education for All (EFA) goals, Post 2015 Education Targets, the Sessional Paper No. 14 of 2012 on Reforming Education and Training, and the Basic Education Act (2013) have all emphasized the need to provide quality Basic Education. And indeed, this is why KNUT is now calling on the Government to go to extreme lengths to enhance the image of the teaching profession if the national, regional and international conventions and targets are to be met. The Kenya Constitution (2010) provides for free and compulsory Basic Education to all children. Article 43(1) (f), 53(1) (b) and 55(a) in Chapter Four of the Constitution obligates both the State and parents/guardians to facilitate quality Basic Education for all children. However, all these would be a mirage unless, and until the status of the teacher is enhanced, and the tutor is assured of deserving remuneration, and improved working environment. As a Union, we highly appreciate the Government s intents to harness the country s education standards through the National Education Sector Plan ( ) being an all-inclusive, sector-wide programme whose prime goal is: Quality Basic Education for Kenya s Sustainable Development. The trade movement also recognizes that the Sector Plan builds on the successes and challenges of the Kenya Education Sector Support Programme ( ). The focus here is on improvement of education quality specifically targets improvement of schooling KENYA NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS (KNUT) 59th Annual Delegates Conference At Moi International Sports Centre Nairobi From December 6th to 8th, 2016 Teachers to Remain Focused, United to Achieve Quality Education The Need to Upgrade Teachers Status P.O. Box Nairobi, Kenya Mobile: , , knut@knut.or.ke Venue: Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi John Matiang i Acting National Treasurer outcomes and impact of the sector investment; development of relevant skills; improve learning outcomes, and improved efficiency and effectiveness in use of available resources. True, the Government continues to invest heavily in the Education sector, committing about 6.4% of GDP to the sector. This commitment for heavy investment in education is to ensure the efficient provision of Basic Education with guaranteed transition and progression of all children from one grade and level of Basic Education to another. However, this cannot be wholly achieved without adequate numbers of teachers who are well remunerated. Ladies and Gentlemen, the high level of expenditure reflects the priorities and commitment of the Government to education of its citizens. Rapid growth in enrolments at all levels of education and training are the results of this investment. However, it s important to note that all these cannot be achieved successfully within the stipulated time frame, and within the budgeted cost without the Government putting much emphasis on Teacher Education, Development and Management. Teachers Education is designed to meet the demands of Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels. As a matter of fact, the Government should therefore ensure at all costs that Pre-primary and Primary teacher training courses focus mainly on pedagogy and subject knowledge content. Policies should be enforced to ensure that Secondary teacher training courses are provided strictly in two models Consecutive and Concurrent models. In the Consecutive models, the trainees have to undertake the subject area first and graduate with either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, and later undertake National Chairman Knut Mudzo Nzili Wakukhenderwa ing seen the Kenyan teachers for the first time in the history of the Union demonstrate formidable resilience as their employer tormented them in school compounds, classrooms, boardrooms, in the media and even in the court corridors. In spite of all these, the Union successfully conducted elections all the way from the grassroots to the national level, and this happened when KNUT was experiencing severe financial challenges. Kudos to all those who were elected to various posts in this great Union. Comrades in the struggle, l would like to make my position clear; the National Executive Council (NEC) is fully committed to the responsibility of championing the rights of teachers to good (if not best) working environment, and more importantly, committed to highest level of quality service delivery, values and professionalism in dealing with teachers plight. At this point in time, l would like to remind teachers, development partners, the Government, competitors, all-and-sundry that KNUT will continue to remain the best and most effective, and self-reliant teachers Union in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, you can now note with appreciation the cordial a nine-month postgraduate Diploma to qualify as trained teachers. In the Concurrent model, the trainees will have to study both the subject area and pedagogy at the same time, and graduate with a Bachelor of Education. The lowest certificate in Teacher Education should therefore be Diploma. The Government has also the obligation to put much emphasis on continuous professional development of teachers to be conducted by Kenya Education Management Institute, Kenya Institute of Special Education, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and CEMASTEA among other recognized educational institutions. Going by the Union vision, of being the most effective and self-reliant teacher Union in the world, KNUT would wish to remind the Ministry of Education Science and Technology that Teacher Management is classified into three main categories: Entry, Maintenance and Exit which Teachers Service Commission as the sole employer needs to refocus on to ensure optimum service delivery within the teaching force. The entry component should therefore include assurance of the right persons entering the teaching service; registration and recruitment of teachers which has to be done in an orderly and professional manner, while maintenance entails deployment, remuneration, promotion, discipline and maintenance of teaching standards which KNUT also call on TSC to put special emphasis on professionalism while handling matters pertaining to teachers. On the other hand, teacher exit entails management of teachers who leave the service through natural attrition. As the only trade movement that represents the interests and aspirations of teachers in the Public Service, we call on the Commission to exercise its mandate without fear, but with a lot of considerations, urgency, and deserving respect to exiting teachers. Consequently, KNUT calls on TSC to play the regulatory role effectively in the teaching service, and registration of personnel qualified in education as a discipline. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Long Live Kenyan Teachers, Long Live KNUT. Solidarity for Ever!!! Thank You. John Matiang i National Treasurer KNUT. KNUT: The most effective teachers union MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN ADC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE L Website: adies and Gentlemen, welcome to the 59th Edition of KNUT Annual Delegates Conference. My duty at this forum is simple, and quite precise; to remind Union members and invited guests that since the inception of the trade movement 59 years ago, KNUT as you can witness has grown exponentially with outstanding performance on all fronts in serving all cadres of teachers at various levels. Presently, KNUT boasts of 110 fully-fledged branches.operational and active. The branches are ably and effectively serving esteemed members; and l am glad to announce that they are all represented at the 59th ADC. Ladies and gentlemen, the exceptional performance of KNUT has resulted from the commitment of the very able KNUT leadership, clear strategy and unwavering support from all the branches and members at all levels, as well as support from friendly Labour centres locally and internationally. The Organizing Committee of the Conference notes with appreciation that KNUT has achieved immense progress in representing teachers of all cadres by bargaining for favourable remuneration and working conditions; advocacy for quality education by insisting on establishment of the necessary structure to enhance teacher performance at the various institutions; and restructuring the operation of KNUT, including the creation of various teacher-development Chairman Organizing Committee, Wycliffe Etole Omucheyi programmes. All these have enhanced the quality of education in the country and operations at KNUT, and indeed, this is the reason why the Union is congregating at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi to review and preview the Union s performances and take stock after a thorough auditing. Comrades in the struggle, in the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, the Organizing Committee implores the delegates at all levels to join hands in discussing all that will be presented on the agenda of the Conference with a view of improving the quality of education, enhance bargaining and defending teachers interests. Kudos members of this great Union. Welcome delegates. Chairman Organizing Committee, Brother Wycliffe Etole Omucheyi Second Vice-National Chairman, KNUT C I V R S E & J U KNUT relationship, and sobriety in the recent agreements between the Union and the Government agencies.including Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Law Courts. We re now operating on the same and similar wave length. A Conference of this magnitude, remains a platform to propel the labour movement to fulfill its mission and vision of uniting teachers of all grades and qualifications, and becoming the most effective and self-reliant teachers union in the world. I therefore wish to humbly appeal for your considerations, candid deliberations and approval of our efforts to take this trade movement to the next level. As a professional body dedicated to the fight for recognition of education as the main drive of development as enshrined in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal, l implore on the delegates to make serious contributions during deliberations, and accordingly adopt sound resolutions that will make the Union strong, attractive and more visionary when it comes to addressing issues touching on the welfare of all teachers. Comrades, indeed, it s my humble duty to remind you that the Education 2030 Framework for Action provides the requisite guidance for the provision of quality education by all nations, and singles out the importance role of teachers as catalysts of quality education. Colleagues, KNUT acknowledges the fact that the Government policy recognizes the significance of education generally. This is highlighted by the fact that Kenyan teachers have always intervened to save the Education sector every time there is a crisis, for instance, in the just concluded KCSE and KCPE examination administration where teachers played a crucial role unlike in the past. Ladies and gentlemen, despite dark forces applying divisionary tactics to disintegrate the giant Union, I would like to categorically restate that KNUT will strive to unite teachers of all grades for quality service, socio-economic improvement and professional advancement and strengthen their bargaining power, and promote quality education through effective leadership and effective programming. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like once again to alert our members that our enemies in the name of splinter unions are on our heels burning midnight oil to wrestle us to the ground. However, l would like to assure alland-sundry that in-spite of all these negative forces, KNUT will continue soldiering on, championing the interests, rights and aspiration of teachers of all grades and qualifications. More importantly, l would like to assure our members that we as your leaders, KNUT will not rest on our laurels or take anything for granted until the Kenyan teachers get their rightful dues through the CBA. I wish all our members, their families and the entire Education fraternity a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. May Allah bless you all. MUDZO NZILI WAKUKHENDERWA, KNUT NATINAL CHAIRMAN. S T C E

16 16 embu Unemployed teachers to combat discrimination By Kamundia Muriithi More than 200 P1 unemployed teachers in Runyenjes Constituency have formed a caucus to highlight their frustration after failing to get government employment for years. Some of them graduated over 13 years ago are blaming lack of employment on alleged skewed recruitment practices and corruption within Teachers Service Commission (TSC). They said they had participated in interviews for every recruitment exercise over the years without success. The teachers who converged at Runyenjes Social Hall where they were hosted by Runyenjes Central MCA, Steve Simba said they had been discriminated against in favour of those who graduated after them as a result of corruption. Joyce Wairimu who graduated from a teacher training college in 2009 education news EASTERN expressed disillusionment after failing to secure a job in successive recruitments. I hail from Nakuru County but married in Embu. As a result, I am advised to seek employment from my county of birth every time I apply for recruitment, she lamented. Mureithi Kiura said as a result of frustrations, he has chosen to engage in transport business where is employed as a loader. This despite my PI teacher training where I graduated in 2008, he said. DECember 2-15, 2016 kitui A dog strolls into one of the dilapidated classrooms in Mwingi during a lesson thus frightening the young ones. The facilities are in dire need for refurbishment. Photo/Musangi Alii meru CORD Co-Principal and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka visiting Muthetu dormitory in Meru School where he used to sleep when he was an A level student at the school. He visited when he was Vice President. Photo/Titus Murithi Meru school that has produced top leaders A number of Kenyan high schools and secondary schools have a history to tell about the current political leaders in the country and others in high profile positions which are not political. In Meru County, one such school is Meru School, a national school. This is where Cord Co-principal and former Vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka and Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai went for their A-level education. Meru School was started in 1956 as a sister school to Meru Teachers Training College and the two institutions shared teachers. By then Meru School was situated next to its immediate neighbour, Mwithu-mwiru Primary School. Timothy Kiome, a retired career high school head teacher was the deputy head master in Meru School when Kalonzo was a student there. He says the former VP was well disciplined, hard working and the whole teaching fraternity during that time was sure he d pass very well and join university. - Titus Murithi tharaka nithi KNUT wants State to foot bill for injured principals Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Tharaka Nithi branch secretary, Njeru Mutani has asked the National Government to pay medical bills of five Principals who were involved in a road accident in Chuka recently. The accident occurred when the five were transporting examination papers. The two hospitals where the teachers were taken declined to treat them before they are paid through the AON Medical Scheme. The government must foot the medical bills because it compelled teachers to join the scheme, said Mr Njeru. He said they were denied services because the insurer has failed to release their monthly deductions to health facilities in time. - Our Reporter makueni Mukaa Boys Foundation set to assist poor students A group of Form Four students from Mukaa Boys High School have started a foundation that aims to pay school fees for those coming from poor families. Mukaa Helping Hands Foundation is the brain child of nine Form Four students, who came together in May At inception, the organization received financial support from Bishop Dr Silas Yego, Head of the African Inland Church (AIC) and Francis Mutua (pictured), Principal of Mukaa Boys High School. The Foundation has sponsored 22 students by partially settling their school fees arrears. It is involved in various activities to raise funds to assist needy students including running barber services and printing T-shirts. - Correspondent kitui Return children to school, residents told County Deputy Children s Director, Jacinta Mwinzi has asked area residents to ensure children dropping out of school are made to resume learning. She said they should take it upon themselves to help give every child access to quality learning for the good of education in the area. We should be monitoring the children. We live by the best example, Mwinzi told parents and teachers during a recent meeting at Ngangani Primary School in Nuu Division, Mwingi East District. Mwinzi, who represented Kitui County Children s Director, Philip Nzenge, said: Family conflicts, quarrelling before children, family separation and defilements are among social evils affecting children. -Bonface Mulu Woman Rep donates sanitary pads to schools Hundreds of school girls in the County are set to benefit from sanitary towels donated through the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund. The initiative, spearheaded by Susan Musyoka, Machakos County Woman Representative, will benefit some 320 schools in the county. This donation to primary and secondary school girls will help reduce cases of school absenteeism among girls from poor families, who opt to stay out of class during menstrual periods. Girls in such situations also miss out on sporting activities. Dr Musyoka said apart from the pads, her office will also organise guidance and counselling sessions to promote good behavioural change and character building among the teen girls. - Correspondent machakos Dr. Susan Musyoka, Machakos Woman Representative (right) flanked by Nominated MCA Benedetta Mueni addresses the press in Machakos.

17 DECember 2-15, 2016 kiambu Principal decries lack of braille answer sheets Thika Primary School for the Blind Principal, Jotham Makhoha has decried lack of Braille answer sheets during the recently concluded Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. He said the school had been forced to use their own Braille paper which should not be the case. We were not provided with answer sheets for the exams forcing the school to use its own Braille papers as answer sheets, Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) should provide us with the answer sheets since the government pays for them, he said while speaking to the media. Sub-County Director of Education, Ronald Mbugua said they are aware of the case and had visited the school to assess the situation. - James Wakahiu murang a Murang'a South KNUT officials John Njata (Executive Secretary), Andrew Maina and John Karanu showing the 10 acre piece of land the society has bought at Samar in Maragua. Photo/Daniel Njoroge By Daniel Njoroge Teachers in the County have formed a housing Co-operative society to enable them build affordable homes and invest in the lucrative real estate industry. The housing investment society is an initiative of Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Murang a South branch which intends to mobilize teachers in the nyeri NGO to train pupils on coffee farming A local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) plans to promote coffee industry in Kenya using primary school pupils. In partnership with Coffee Research Foundation, RODI-Kenya will be using its already existing school based programme known as School Based Crime Prevention and Life Skills Programme. RODI-Kenya Executive Director, Eliud Ngunjiri said his organization has the clubs running in over 70 primary schools in various counties but the project will be extended to all coffee growing zones where they will start coffee nurseries in partnership with Coffee Research Foundation. Ngunjiri who was speaking at RODI s resource centre in Ruiru said besides school, seedlings will be given to the children to plant at home. - Joseph Mukubwa county to pool resources to buy land cheaply and build homes. Branch Executive Secretary, John Njata said the society was formed after realization that most teachers were unable to buy land due to the sky rocketing costs. Njata disclosed that the society has so far procured several parcels of land, sub-divided and issued title deeds to the owners. Currently, about 450 teachers education news 17 central murang a Maragua schools to get lab facilities Several secondary schools in Maragua are set to benefit from a Sh1.2 million plan to finance procurement of laboratory facilities. Area MP, Peter Mwangi said the money disbursed through National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) will purchase microscopes and related accessories to assist, particularly mixed day secondary schools. He said the tools will help promote quality learning and teaching of science subjects in these schools. Some schools which have benefited are Kangagu,Kagaa, Maranjau, Muchagara, Ikundu, Irembu, Kaharo, Mihang o, Kianjiru-ini, Gikomora, Mithini, Mutithi, Igikiro, Maganjo, Thaara and Kaharati among others. Mwangi said day secondary schools in the region absorb majority of children from the Constituency. - Daniel Njoroge Teachers launch Sacco eye real estate industry Public Service, Gender and Youths Cabinet Secretary, Sicily Kariuki has asked Education sector stakeholders to provideadequate security for the new tablets being distributed for use by pupils. She said that after the launch of Digital Literacy Programmeby the Jubilee government, there is need for even local communities to put in place mechanisms to ensure the devices are secure. Each school, she added, should also have secure physical storage cabinet with electrical sockets for charging the devices. Ms Kariuki who was accompanied by Mathira MP, Peter Weru was speaking at Kiaritha-ini Primary School in Mathira Constituency during the launch of the programme recently. - Joseph Mukubwa have benefited from the plots. The branch Chairman, Andrew Maina, added that the society provides members with opportunities to invest in real estate which will financially support them after they retire from teaching. The leaders were speaking when they took members to inspect a tenacre land bought by the society at the prime Samar area in Maragua Sub- County. nyeri CS calls for security for Standard One tablets Solomon Mbuthi Mwangi, the man who served the government diligently as a teacher, for over two decades, was finally laid to rest in a solemn ceremony at his Mairo Inya home in Ndaragwa Constituency. Until his death, he was the Principal of Kiru High School in Murang a. But the man who was referred to by both friends and foes alike as nyandarua Kiru Boys High School students help issue the funeral programme for their slain Principal, Solomon Mwango at his Ndaragwa home. Photo/Meru Mathenge Tears, emotions as slain Kiru Principal is laid to rest nyeri Sicily Kariuki, Public Service, Gender and Youths Cabinet Secretary with pupils of Kiaritha-ini Primary School in Mathira Constituency during the launch of the Digital Literacy Programme. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa Karima Boys to get Sh10m dormitory A Sh10 million state- of- theart dormitory at Karima Boys High School built through National Government funds is nearing completion. The two storey dormitory in Othaya Constituency will ease congestion in the school with 750 boys. The project started in February this year is expected to be completed by end of December according to the Principal, Herman Wanjau. We are planning to add another storey from the school savings. We are also hoping Ministry of Education will add Sh5 million for it to be completed. This will ensure accommodation of 230 students, he said. Wanjau said the modern dormitory has modern cubicles and toilets. -Joseph Mukubwa a role model, a trailblazer, a workaholic, uncompromising, reliable and fearless, has strong roots in Nyandarua, where he was born and brought up. Mwangi disappeared earlier last month before his body was found dumped in Karuntuma coffee farm in Kalkuta village, in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County. - Meru Mathenge murang a Murang a varsity ready for growth The newly chartered Murang a University of Technology (MUT) is setting up programmes which will transform it into a competitive institution of higher learning. Acting Vicechancellor, Prof. Dickson Nyariki (pictured)said in his office that plans were being drawn to strategically position the successor of Murang'a University College in the academic industry. He said the institution intends to provide technology and engineering based courses in line with the original vision of the Murang a founders. Nyariki said the management is fast-tracking the establishment of faculties and schools which will offer unique and market relevant teaching programmes to attract learners. - Daniel Njoroge nyeri Over 70 students fail to graduate over dispute Over 70 students of Outspan Medical College did not graduate recently following a dispute with the college. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences students based in Nyeri town were demanding a refund of fees after they were discontinued from taking a course by the college administration following instruction from Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board. One student, Moses Muriithi said he was at a big loss having wasted two years of training and over Sh400,000 that he had paid in form of fees. However, the College Director, Macharia Kiruhi absolved the college from blame and instead accused the regulatory body of being the cause of confusion. -Joseph Mukubwa

18 18 baringo By Alfred Kimosop Two Baringo Governor aspirants have hit at the incumbent Benjamin Cheboi over Early Childhood Education teachers low pay. Stanley Kiptis and Simon Chelugui, who are vying for position of Governor told Education News that payment due to 1,780 teachers is a drop in the ocean and asked for immediate review of the pay. They said most counties in the country have increased salaries to reasonable amount to enable the tutors survive the harsh economy. It is unfortunate teachers in the county are still getting meager pay of only 6,500. This is disrespect given that they work in hardship and insecure areas, said Education News rift valley Governor asked to raise pay for nursery teachers narok County govt employs 600 ECDE teachers The County Government has employed 600 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. Governor Samuel Tunai said the teachers will be paid by his government. He said the move is to achieve 100 per cent enrolment in Early Childhood Education.The County Government built 400 ECDE classrooms recently. The beginning years of a child are vital as they determine how their future education will be shaped, thegovernor said. - Samuel Maina Simon Chelugui: Baringo Governor aspirant trans nzoia Cheptantan pupils get new tablets Enrolment rate in schools in the County is increasing thanks to the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP). The Head teacher of Cheptantan Primary School, Wycliffe Igonya said Standard One enrolment has been increasing since the tablets were first distributed to the school. We had only 69 pupils by August but currently we have an enrolment Simon Chelugui. He said some counties pay ECDE teachers close to Sh15,000. They urged the governor to ensure that the over 1,500 teachers are given a fair deal just like their colleagues in other counties. They noted that majority of teachers have failed to meet their daily needs and repay loans because of the little amount awarded by the county government. We ask the present county government to honour the request by ECDE teachers who are languishing in hardship areas only to receive a small package, added Kiptis. of 90 pupils, he said. He said the school has embraced the project and learners are eager and enthusiastic to tap into the knowledge of using the devices. Correctional Services Principal Secretary, Micah Powon launched the programme in the school recently. He said the gadgets will improve information retrieval and encourage innovation. - Kephas Ayiecha E/MARAKWET Keiyo to break record in 2016 exams, says official Keiyo North Sub-County Education Officer, Yophes Magara (pictured) expects the region to break record in 2016 national examinations. Candidates are also expected to produce quality grades and raise their mean scores in comparison with the previous years, according to the official. Mr Magara said with the Ministry s directive to return to school ranking system, he has high expectations the region will be ranked high since it had put up structures like monitoring of teachers, discussing strengths and weaknesses of students with his teachers and setting up success strategies. Magara said they are expecting a rise in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) mean from 269 in 2015 to 272 in 2016 and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) target to rise from 7.5 to 8.0. He said Principals across the Constituency are very optimistic as they had done adequate subject workshops with students so as to realize the targets. Magara urged the government to employ more teachers since with the establishment of new secondary schools in the area; there is demand for more teachers to enhance quality teaching. - Dennis Bett By John Njoroge Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang has expressed confidence that examination monitoring will deliver credible results. Addressing the media when he toured Molo Sub-County E/MARAKWET Students urged to go for early HIV/Aids testing Students in the area have been urged to go for early HIV/ Aids testing to enable them make informed decisions about their health. Speaking at Flax Health Centre during the County Health Day, which brought together schools from Keiyo South Sub-County, the facility s Health Officer, Dr. Paul Cherony said it is wise to do frequent testing so as to be advised by doctors on early medication and prevention of future infections. The CEC for Health, Thomas Rutto said teachers should advise students on the moral virtues as a way of preventing careless sexual behaviour which results to the spread of the scourge. - Dennis Bett Dr Belio Kipsang, Education Principal Secretary addressing the media at Molo Academy Secondary School. Photo/John Njoroge Education PS lauds exam monitoring kericho Teachers asked to retain good school traditions Parents and teachers have been urged to maintain some of the good values and traditions associated with institutions where their children are studying. Kericho Day Secondary School Principal, Vincent Kirui said some of the values and traditions which had been developed over a long period of time had great benefit and impact on development of various schools. Addressing parents recently, he observed that some schools were identified with cleanliness, ability to clear syllabus ahead of schedule and well-oiled internal testing mechanism among others. When some of these traditions are changed abruptly they could have serious negative impact on the school, Kirui advised. - Benedict Ng etich during the inspections of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) recently, the PS noted that the ministry has set a serious strategy during exam and marking period to curb the malpractices. ``The process will impart credible and fair results at the County and National The County Catholic Schools Association Chairman, Laurence Ptekwenyo has urged parents to take care of their children during this long holidays. He said close monitoring of children would help prevent cases of early pregnancies and involvement in other vices. Mr Ptekwenyo spoke during the opening of the new Kaibos Catholic Church DECember 2-15, 2016 uasin gishu Teachers trained on Performance Appraisal Teachers in the county and other parts of the North Rift region recently received training on the controversial Performance Appraisal. Teachers Service Commission (TSC) says with Performance Appraisal it can easily identify areas that a tutor may be assisted to perform better and produce the desired results, before things get out of hand. Addressing Head teachers and Principals recently at Teachers Advisory Center (TAC) in Eldoret, Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) official, Peris Kiprono said the move is aimed at improving education standards of public institutions across the country. - Our Reporter nakuru level, asserted the PS, adding that marking will also be adequately monitored. Dr Kipsang assured parents that they will celebrate what their children wrote during the examinations, adding: The results will reflect precisely how they sat for their exams. west pokot Holiday: Parents urged to watch over their children in Makutano Parish. In attendance was Charles Chedotum who is Kapenguria MP 2017 aspirant. Mr Chedotum praised the church for establishing performing schools in the county for example, Ortum Boys High School, St Theresa s Tartar Girls High School which is a National School and St Cecilia Chepareria Girls High School among others. - Martin Ruto

19 DECember 2-15, 2016 uasin gishu By Wasike Elvis Kenya National Association of Parents (KNAP) Chairman Nicholas Maiyo has supported reforms being implemented by Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang i, saying they will transform the sector. We will work closely with the CS to ensure they put in place a child-centered system where parents, teachers, sponsors and other stakeholders will have an equal say in improving the quality of education, he said. Maiyo said the reforms should be supported by everyone who has goodwill for Education News 19 rift valley CS Matiang'i praised for Education sector reforms E/MARAKWET Governor Jackson Mandago has asked the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to review salaries of some of the Civil Servants working at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). He lamented that there were big disparities in salaries of the TSC staff especially the senior ones. "Some Civil Servants earn peanuts compared to others, hence need Nicholas Maiyo, Chairman, Kenya National Parents Association. for the salaries to be revisited and have them harmonized," Mandago told Education News during a recent TSC staff dinner party. He noted that disparities in salaries lead to poor service delivery since some staff would feel inferior to others. Mandago advised TSC staff to ensure they offer quality services to the public. - Wasike Elvis the improvement of Kenya s education. The CS should be given an A since for the first time students will get credible results, he added. Before the reforms, students were getting As, join University to pursue Medicine only to drop out in second year, he added. He said as an association they are poised to bring reforms to the sector such as exploring ways of collaboration, promoting good infrastructure for quality learning and also introducing payment of fees through phones in all schools. Prof. Fred Segor, Ministry of Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary and Governor Alex Tolgos with Chebonet Primary School pupils during the Digital Literacy Programme launch. Photo/Dennis Bett Six Special Schools to benefit from laptop project By Dennis Bett Six Special Schools in the county will benefit from issuance of laptops alongside public primary schools under the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP). Water and Irrigation Principal uasin gishu Mandago wants salaries of TSC staff reviewed Secretary, Prof. Fred Segor said this was part of government s efforts to ensure that children with special needs were not left behind in digital literacy. The PS who spoke while launching the DLP at Chebonet Primary School in Keiyo North subcounty said Digital Literacy was not just about supplying laptops but aimed at delivering quality digital content to improve learning. Governor Alex Tolgos asked the National Government to consider issuing laptops to nursery school pupils in future. baringo BEFA Schools registered students for 2016 exams Basic Education For All (BEFA) Schools is among the institutions that registered candidates for this year s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The Director, Francis Cheptile confirmed that 17 candidates sat for KCPE while 66 candidates sat for KCSE. He told Education News that one candidate in tertiary institution is scheduled to sit for this year s Kenya National Examinations in Dress Making and Design. The school Motto Campaign Rudi Shuleni has attracted learners from the county and beyond who have been thirsty for education. The school registered in 2014 has a population of 145 learners. - Enock Kipturgut Children told to avoid gambling during holidays Joseph Chebor, Molo Sub-County Director of Education. Ministry of Lands and National Land Commission (NLC) have been asked to issue title deeds to schools that lack the crucial document. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) North Rift Deputy Director, Enock Otiko said schools without title deeds easily fall prey to land grabbers and private developers. I want to call upon the Ministry of Lands and NLC to fast-track the process of issuing title deeds to schools, especially those in towns Parents have been urged to closely watch over their children during the long December vacation. Molo Sub-County Director of Education, Joseph Chebor noted that being the longest holidays, parents and guardians should take care and impart responsible values to their children. Addressing the media in trans nzoia Anne Gakuria, County Commissioner in discussion with Labour Principal Secretary, Khadija Kasachoon during a function at the Kitale ASK Show Grounds. Photo/ Kephas Ayiecha kericho Boost as 493 ECDE classrooms built Four years down the line after the inception of devolved units of County Government, the County has built 493 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms. Governor Prof. Paul Chepkwony said 927 ECDE teachers have secured job opportunities. Speaking during the official opening of Tebesonik ECDE classrooms in Bureti Sub-County, he said his government values the initial stages of learning, saying it is a crucial programme me that lays a foundation for a child s holistic and integrated education. My government values the ECDE and that is why we have pumped resources to build classrooms and employ teachers he said. - Amos Kerich uasin gishu Issue title deeds to schools, govt told since they are mostly targeted by grabbers, he said. Otiko told Education News recently that the rate of land grabbing of public schools is on the rise. For example in Uasin Gishu County Central and Kapsoya Primary are some of the schools which are threatened by grabbers because they are not in possession of a title deed. I urge all stakeholders to work round the clock for the two schools to get this crucial document, he added. - Wasike Elvis nakuru his office recently, Chebor also cautioned pupils and students against engaging in unnecessary chores which will not add value to their studies, adding that they should avoid gambling machines, which have become rife in the Sub-County, at all costs. ``Get rid of these games which will not add value to your education, he noted. - John Njoroge

20 20 migori Education News nyanza DECember 2-15, 2016 Teachers in free-for-all fight over allowances By John Ochieng It was blows and kicks at Anindo Primary School as teachers drawn from various schools in Awendo, Rongo and Uriri Sub-Counties engaged each other in a fight over pay. A programme dubbed Schools Improvement Plan (SIP) that wa organized by World Bank in conjunction with the Kenya Government under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to improve academic standards in the low performing schools turned chaotic on learning that they were given only Sh1,000 for the two-day event instead of the agreed Sh1,600, hence prompting the wrestle. Organisers of the event had a rough time explaining circumstances to the charged teachers who attended the seminar. The more than 300 teachers drawn from the three subcounties were expected to lay foundations on the manner in which low performing schools could be helped to improve performance. It took the intervention of Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Rongo branch Executive Secretary, Thomas Awino to cool the participants who had roughed up the two officers accusing them of fraud. Mr Awino, however, condemned the ugly incident, saying that the officers must be blamed for the mess and threatened to take legal action on the organizers to have the teachers paid their dues. Monitor your children, Kisii parents told The Kisii County million trees initiator, Isabella Lumumba (pictured) has called on parents in the region to ensure their children do not get involved in activities that will ruin their lives in future during this long November- December vacation. She said this is the time parents should play their critical role to ensure their children are not involved in taking drugs like alcohol and bhang among other bad activities in the society. - Stephen Maranga KISUMU Invigilator shot while sealing KCSE papers An invigilator at the just concluded Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams was rushed to a Kisumu hospital after he was accidentally shot by a police officer manning the tests at Gagra Secondary School NYAMIRA Aspirant to increase polytechnics A candidate for the gubernatorial seat, Aboko Kumenda has pledged to increase the number of village polytechnics to enhance skills of the youth to make thememployable after completing training. Speaking in Kisii town, Dr Kumenda said he will put more emphasis on setting up of farmers training colleges, polytechnics and middle level colleges so that the county can be known for academic excellence. Kumenda who is a consulting physician said he will also strive to ensure water is connected to every school within the first one year of taking the office and also adequate levels of sanitation and hygiene. - Oanga Oyugi in Siaya County. Simon Ongiti, 39, a teacher at Kunya Primary School in Rarieda Sub-County was rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital after receiving first aid at Bondo Sub- County Hospital after he was shot in the left thigh while sealing siaya Professionals challenged to invest in education Professionals and elites from Ugunja Sub-County have been challenged to come back and develop their village schools to enhance academic performance across the region. Ugunja politician, Joseph Alur said there is no way the village schools could grow if professionals don t come home to develop them. He stated that the only way through which they can give back to the society is by supporting the schools that molded them to become who they are today. Mr Alur said by giving such support, professionals and elites would also act as role models to the younger generation and encourage them to work hard, hence improving the region s academic standards. - Erick Nyayiera examination papers. Eyewitnesses said Sergeant Benson Ozeza accidentally shot Mr Ongiti with a gun belonging to his colleague Debra Watuti while they were assisting the invigilator to seal CRE papers. - Erick Nyayiera kisii Parents asked to guide children during holidays Parents have been asked to protect their children against vices like drug abuse, premarital sex and gambling during the long December holidays. County Education Task Force Chairman, Henry Onderi told parents to take care of their children by inculcating in them ethical behaviours rather than leaving the whole burden to teachers. He praised primary school teachers for taking long hours to mould pupils and asked parents to appreciate their effort by continuing the training when the pupils are at home during the holidays. Dr Onderi was speaking to parents in Kisii town a day after the end of this year s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. - Enock Okong o Rongo KNUT Chairman Samwel Omwaga, Executive Secretary, Thomas Awino, branch Woman Rep. Mary Odhiambo and BEC Member, Millicent Marera after receiving their bus from KCB on clearing the arrears. File Photo homa bay Education team faces probe The County Government of Homa Bay has ordered investigation into allegation of irregularities in the distribution of Sh60 million bursary funds where each wards was to receive Sh1.5 million. The Assembly approved the funds to help needy students in the 40 wards during the financial year. Speaker Samwel Ochilo instructed the Assembly Committee on Education to investigate alleged bias allocation and discrepancies which have seen orphans and needy students locked out of the bursary. The issue emerged after South Kasipul MCA Godfrey Osoo complained that some orphans from his ward had not received bursary funding. Corruption cases are now endemic in counties with a number being questioned on spending. - John Ochieng kisii Students to get free computer course Two hundred and forty students from Kisii Central Ward in Nyaribari Chache Constituency have been sponsored for a free computer training course by Sir Henry Foundation, a communitybased organization. Speaking at Masongo Mixed Secondary School, the CBO s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Nickson Nyakweba said the beneficiaries are drawn from all six secondary schools in the ward. The students were to enroll for the two-month computer packages immediately after their 2016 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, i.e. between December 2016 and January Mr Nyakweba, fondly referred to as Sir Henry, said they have partnered with Kenya Institute of Management and Technology (KIMT) to help offer the training. - Elijah Nyaanga migori Kuja Special School for the Deaf Head teacher, Jemimah Were (left) cuts a tape during the launch of 18 door latrine at the school. She has asked the National Government to increase financial support to children living with disability. Photo/John Ochieng

21 DECember 2-15, 2016 Education News 21 Fr. Soldati TTC: The college that guarantees students jobs after graduation By Titus Murithi Looking for employment can be a harrowing experience, especially in academics. There is little guarantee those completing degrees, diplomas or certificates programmes from universities or tertiary colleges will land a teaching job. A number of those from Teacher Training Colleges nowadays don t get teaching jobs straightaway after graduation. Most of them will get jobs in private schools where majority claim they are underpaid while others have to bribe to be employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) after a long time. However, a Teacher Training College in Meru County is proving to be a college with a difference. It has ready teaching jobs for their students immediately after they graduate either in diploma or certificate courses offered in that college. The college is Fr. Soldati Teachers Training College found in Maua town in Igembe South Subcounty. The college is owned by the Meru Catholic Church and headed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Kaberia as the Principal assisted by Lewis Gituma as the Registrar. While talking to the Education News recently, the Registrar said that upon graduation, their students are immediately posted to the church owned schools in various Fr. Soldati Teachers College students led by the college Registrar, Lewis Gituma (in yellow suit & specs) and one of the tutors. parts of Meru as they wait to be absolved by Teachers Service Commission (TSC). He said for their students to be fully trained and equipped to teach either in primary or secondary schools, they ve to be extra trained in computer packages which are compulsory and free. We are a Teacher Training College with a difference compared to others because our students are assured of immediate teaching jobs after graduation. They are posted in various primary and secondary schools owned by the church as they wait to be absolved by TSC. In view of the fast emerging digital era and for our students to cope with the situation wherever they ll go and offer their teaching services, computer classes are free and compulsory to all the students, said Mr. Gituma. He added: The College has high level security because the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) from the adjacent Maua Police Station is housed within the college compound and there is always presence of armed police officers, The college offers various courses in the teaching field which include Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE) for those wishing to go and teach in secondary schools, Certificate in Primary Teacher Education (PTE-P1) and diploma and certificate in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). DTE course takes three years and one should have attained grade C+ in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), while those taking certificate course in PTE-P1 and diploma in ECDE should have attained grade C plain in KCSE and their course takes two years. For the DTE students to be well trained to handle students in secondary school particularly in Science subjects, the college has two laboratories for them to conduct practicals and experiments in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Agriculture. The final examinations taken by students in all the courses offered by the college are Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) based and one has to pass the examination to graduate. Currently, the college has a population of 234 students where FR. SOLDATI TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE-MAUA (Managed by the CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MERU) P.O BOX MAUA. TEL: / frsotdatittc@gmail.com Website: VISION: A dynamic well focused community with values based on Christian Philosophy. MISSION: To train and model a holistic teacher, capable of inspiring learners to achieve excellence through prayer, discipline and hard work. CORE VALUES - Honesty, Industry, Integrity. FR.SOLDATI TEACHERS COLLEGE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING COURSES Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE), Primary Teacher Education (PTE) PI, Diploma and Certificate in ECDE and Proficiency in ECDE. COURSES REQUIREMENTS EXAM BODY DURATION Diploma in Education (Secondary) DTE Certificate in Primary Teacher Education (PTE) PI Diploma in ECDE (FULL TIME) Diploma in ECDE (SCHOOL BASED) Certificate in ECDE (SCHOOL BASED) Certificate in ECDE (SCHOOL BASED) 140 are full time and based in the college which provides full boarding facilities, while 94 are school-based and mostly taking ECDE courses. The college also allows day scholars especially those married and they need to be with their families when not in class. KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in any two teaching subjects- in addition for art combinations, Eng. C plain, Maths D+. Science combinations Eng. C and Maths C KCSE mean grade C (plain) and above KCSE mean grade C (plain) or certificate in ECDE or PI certificate KCSE mean grade C (plain) or certificate in ECDE or PI certificate KCSE mean grade C- or D+ or Proficiency in ECDE KCSE mean grade C- or D+ or Proficiency in ECDE JANUARY INTAKE FEE PER TERM/SESSION KNEC 3YEARS 26,2 00 PER TERM KNEC 2YEARS 21,500 PER TERM KNEC 1 YEAR 21,500 PER TERM KNEC 6 SESSSIONS SCHOOL BASED 8,000 PER SESSION KNEC 1 YEAR 17,050 PER TERM KNEC Future plans by the College include, i) Courses in SNE ii) Establishing and Partnering with a University as a campus. iii) Other courses in the Pipeline. 6 SESSIONS SCHOOL BASED 5,860 PER SESSION PROFICIENCY IN ECDE: We also train students with a mean grade less than D+ for Proficiency Test. LOCATION: The College is within Maua Catholic Parish Compound Adjacent the police station NOTE: A student is guranteed posting in diocesean schools after graduating while waiting to be absorbed by T.S.C Our focus is to train top qualified teachers and equip them with ICT skills at no EXTRA FEE. The college has a sound and vibrant management. Modern facilities and TOP SECURITY PROVIDED. Fees is affordable. Fees inclusive of accommodation Frankmatt Supermarket Mumias announces Special Christmas Offer By Richard Shichangi Frankmatt Supermarket, the leading one stop shopping outlet in Mumias town and Sabatia market in Butere, has announced an impressive Special Christmas Offer of 5 per cent discount to all its esteemed and potential customers on all its furniture in their outlets this festive season. The premier supermarket is located at the heart of Mumias town on Kalibo Building opposite Masinde Muliro University Mumias Campus off Mumias Bungoma Road. Its Sabatia outlet is located along Mumias Kisumu highway opposite Hash Petrol Station. The company proprietor, Mr Francis Maingi, said he has decided to roll out this ambitious Special offer to his clients as a way of extending Frankmatt s Christmas gift to all customers who will buy state-ofthe-art furniture varieties from their outlets, ranging from office to home furniture beautifully displayed in the supermarket. He hinted that customers have multiple options to choose or pick items ranging from modern but affordable offers such as office chairs and tables, office cabinets and home furniture such as dining tables with assorted chairs, home side board, sofa sets of all sizes and cupboards of all makes that are designed to meet the needs of all clients Ṁr Maingi said the offer will run from 20th November 2016 to 20th of January 2017 and called on his customers to buy the item while stocks last. He noted that they will also have another Special Offer dubbed Christmas Basket for their customers, majorly comprising foodstuffs during the festive season.

22 22 kakamega By Seth Musisi A teachers benevolent organization in western region has resolved that efforts be made to ensure women comprise one-third of officials in its committees in line with the country s Constitution. Some of the committees lacking women representatives are Education Support Fund, Medical Committee, Transport Committee and the Executive Committee. The resolution was unanimously agreed on during Kakamega Teachers Benevolent Fund (KBTF) Annual General Meeting held in Kakamega town. Earlier, a whistle-blower and member, Paul Lubanga reminded the meeting of what he termed apparent absence of women representatives in KBTF s organs. The meeting, however, unanimously agreed that the thorny issue of women representation be prioritized, especially starting with a by-election expected in the next few weeks to fill vacant positions of Stephen Wanyama (Likuyani), John Musilwa (Shinyalu), Geoffrey Wekulo (Navakholo) and Samson Tali (Kabras South) who are retiring. Education News WESTERN Teachers Benevolent Fund mulls one-third gender rule kakamega Shikomari School embarks on farming project Shikomari Primary School in Navakholo has embarked on a special project which will boost the school's feeding programmes. With a population of 960 pupils, the school in Navakholo Sub-county is becoming darling of the society as a part from excelling in exams, it has planted trees around the compound to improve its aesthetic value and help the children realize the importance of trees. It has also introduced dairy farming. Head teacher, Yambasa Musungu (pictured) who spoke to Education News recently said the school has 12 vulnerable children who fully depend on it, hence introducing the projects will help cater for them. - Leon Angatia St Laurent Elite Academy Director, Roselidah Shiundu marching with pupils during the school s first graduation. During the colourful event, 10 pupils graduated to join class one next year. The ceremony attracted 80 guests and parents who made the day successful. Photo/Leonard Angatia busia Project unveiled to help girls go back to school Busia County Woman Representative, Florence Mutua has launched a project to help girls and young women who dropped out of school due to various reasons such as early pregnancy and early marriage among other reasons go back to school. Under Go Back To School Programme that was started by Florence, its main aimed is to help girls and young women who dropped out of school due to various reasons such as early pregnancy and early marriage among other reasons go back to school. The programme has seen many children from needy families given necessary assistance. According to the programme s Extension Officer, Eric Obare, they have spent a total of Sh3,186,260 on bursary with the least getting Sh5,000 and the highest getting Sh20,000. Mutua said she will ensure the programme succeeds so as to give targeted beneficiaries a chance to complete their education. - Okoth Peter At the same time, for the first time in more than 30 years, KTBF will soon be a proud owner of its own building complex where it will operate its activities after acquiring a Sh3.6 million plot within the municipality. The revelation was made by the Fund s Treasurer, Thaddeus Akhwesa when he presented his annual report. He reported that owning its own building complex will be a major boost considering that they have been carrying out their activities from rented offices at KNUT House since establishment of KBTF in kakamega TSC cautioned against punitive transfers Teachers Service Commission County directors have been warned against punitive transfers of teachers come next year. Kakamega County Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary, Archedius Liyayi said the union is aware of plans to transfer some teachers on disciplinary grounds. We caution them to tread carefully as we will unleash terror on them over the same, he said. KNUT Chairman Patrick Chungani on his part said teachers remained poor due to low pay as government drags its feet. He called for the immediate release of their money and rubbished the set date of July next year as bait laid by Jubilee Government to ensure they vote for them. - Andanje Wakhungu kakamega Kakamega Teachers Benevolent Fund (KBTF) officials during the Annual General Meeting in Kakamega. Photo/Seth Musisi kakamega KMTC eyes further expansion in county Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has continued to expand its branches in the County following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government. The agreement is meant to allow expansion of medical training institutions into various Sub- Counties in the county. KMTC Board of Trustees, Chairman Prof Philip Kaloki lauded bungoma 54 schools to be connected to Internet Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is to connect 54 public secondary schools in the county to high speed Internet. Director-General, Francis Wangusi said the schools were selected based on their ICT readiness, with preference being given to institutions that have computer laboratories. He said the selected schools are those that offer Computer studies as an examinable subject in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang has been castigated for firing teachers suspected to have been involved in malpractices during the just concluded Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) officials in the county led by branch Chairman, Johnstone Wabuti DECember 2-15, 2016 the county for ensuring a trained and skillful health workforce for its medical facilities. Prof Kaloki was in Navakholo and Lugari Sub-Counties for a tour of medical training institutions that are almost into their second years of intake. Health Services Executive, Penina Mukabane thanked Prof Kaloki for ensuring the MoU is implemented. - Godfrey Wamalwa We have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education to identify the schools. So far we have identified 896 schools which will be connected to high speed internet during the current financial year Wangusi said. The director spoke at the Bungoma Airstrip grounds during the 12th edition of the Authority s County ICT consumer forum in which the public interact with service providers. - Godfrey Wamalwa kakamega KUPPET against punishment of teachers over exam irregularities said teachers enter into contract of invigilating and supervising of exams with Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). As a result of this, he said any of them found or suspected to have been involved in any activity contrary to the contract then KNEC should just terminate his/ her contract with him or her but not sacking. - Richard Shichangi

23 DECember 2-15, 2016 About Katine Training Technical Institute (KTTI) By Stephen Makabila Katine Technical Training Institute (TTI), located in Tala town, Machakos County, is steadily emerging as one of the leading TTIs nationally. Currently, Katine TTI which has three intakes annually, offers Certificate and Diploma courses for both technical and business courses. Craft level courses and Artisan level and Skills upgrade courses are also on offer. Katine TTI was started in 1958 as a Local Youth Club. The Institute currently sits on a 12-acre parcel of land donated by the local community. In 1972, the institu- Students at Katine Technical Training Institute at their farm with a lecturer holding Kale (sukuma wiki). The farm is used for teaching Agribusiness skills. tion changed from a youth club to a village polytechnic In 2012, the Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology assessed the institution and upgraded it to a Technical Training Institute to offer Certificate and Diploma courses. Katine TTI s motto of Jijenge Ujenge has seen it grow to its current status, with its vision being to be the regional preferred institution in the provision of technical, vocational and entrepreneurship training and research. Its mission is to provide training in Technical, Vocational, Entrepreneurship and Research to trainees who are competitive in the job market. Katine s core values have revolved around self-reliance, team work, integrity, innovation and equity. The Institution has three intakes in a year, in January, May and September with the procedure being that applicants should ICT is an integral part of training at Katine TTI. include photocopies of academic certificates, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) result slip, leaving certificate, national identity card and a nonrefundable fee of Sh400. However, Artisan level and skills upgrading courses including plumbing, masonry, Eletrical Installation, Hair-dressing and Beauty Therapy, Fabrication and Plumbing and Pipe fitting have a minimum requirement of a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificate and above. Katine TTI s location, one kilometer from Tala town, past Tala Girls High School, makes it easily accessible for prospective students from Machakos County, lower East and the country at large. Among some of the Katine TTI expansion programmes is an up-coming tuition block meant to cater for the ever growing student population and diversification of its training programmes. Practical learning is key at the institute. Students practice their skills in fixing electrical gadgets. Main entrance to the institute Education News 23 P.O. BOX , TALA tkatine@yahoo.com Tel: VISION To be the regional preferred institution in provision of Technical Vocational Entrepreneurship Training and Research MISSION To provide training in Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship training and Research to trainees who are competitive in the job market. CORE VALUES SELF RELIANCE TEAM WORK INTEGRITY INNOVATION EQUITY TECHNICAL COURSES DIPLOMA LEVEL COURSE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (POWER OPTION) INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CIVIL ENGINEERING GENERAL AGRICULTURE CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS COURSES DIPLOMA LEVEL COURSE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HUMAN RESOURSE MANAGEMENT COMPUTERISED SECRETARIAL STUDIES SALES & MARKETING PURCHASING & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ICT ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA (ATD) I-III CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING CPA I-IV BUSINESS COURSES CERTIFICATE LEVEL COURSE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HUMAN RESOURSE MANAGEMENT COMPUTERISED SECRETARIAL STUDIES SALES & MARKETING SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ICT ARTISAN LEVEL AND SKILLS UPGRADING COURSES ENTRY The Minimum Requirement: C- (Minus) or Pass in Related Craft Course ENTRY C- KCSE C- KCSE C- KCSE C- KCSE C-KCSE C- KCSE D+ KCSE EXAM KNEC KNEC KNEC KNEC KNEC KNEC KNEC C+ KCSE C+Maths, English or Pass in ATD III ENTRY D KCSE D KCSE D KCSE D KCSE D KCSE D KCSE COURSE ENTRY EXAM PLUMBING MASONRY ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION HAIR DRESSING & BEAUTY THERAPY FABRICATION PLUMBING & PIPE FITTING CRAFT LEVEL The Minimum Requirement for the courses in this section is KCPE Certificate and above COURSE ENTRY EXAM MASONRY KATINE TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE PLUMBING CAPENTRY & JOINERY ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (POWER OPTION) AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY Motto: Jijenge Ujenge COURSES OFFERED The Minimum Requirement D (plain) or PASS in relevant Artisan Course KNEC and DIT KNEC Katine TTI s new Administration and tuition block currently under construction. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applicants should include photocopies of academic certificates, KCSE results slip, Leaving Certificate and a copy of the National Identity Card. Applicants should also pay a non-refundable fee of Sh 400 to the institute s account (A/C No ) Kenya Commercial Bank Tala Branch. ADMISSIONS: JANUARY, MAY SEPTEMBER

24 24 By Erick Nyayiera Ekerubo Gietai Technical Training Institute is a competitive world class institute advancing excellent technical skills, knowledge and innovations for the 21st Century careers. Situated approximately 12 km from Nyamira town centre off Mokomoni- Nyaramba Road in Nyamira County, the college offers a serene and apt learning environment for its students. The institute, the first and currently the only National Technical Institute in Nyamira County was registered in December 2014 by TVETA under the TVET Act of 2013 and is one of the thirteen newly established technical institutes in Kenya during the Tenth Parliament. Ekerubo Gietai Technical Training Institute was officially commissioned by His Excellency the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta on the 27th April 2016 accompanied by the Deputy President William Ruto. The founding Principal, Mr. Daniel Nyariki reveals the College has five well equipped laboratories including computer laboratory with adequate computers to enable learners maximize on their potentials. Currently the student population stands at more than 400 students but when completed the institute should be able to cater for over 5,000 students. There are 12 TSC employed teachers, 24 BOG teachers and over 30 support staff at the institute. The Principal appreciated the BOG led by Chairperson, Dr. Grace Nyamongo who he says are very supportive in curriculum delivery, staff welfare and development and the Financial Management of the Institute. The Principal outlined that the college is producing well trained and fully equipped skilled workers capable of servicing the modern job market noting that keen focus is also employed in ensuring utmost discipline is adhered to in achieving their endeavors. Education News Ekerubo Gietai TTI in major growth in short span President Uhuru Kenyatta planting a tree during the official commissioning of the EGTTI in Nyamira Sub-County At Ekerubo Gietai TTI, our trainings are designed to equip the students with the skills, knowledge and innovative attitude that learners need for exploring the job market and expanding their careers as envisaged in Vision 2030 that provided that Technical Trainings is the sure way to build an industrious economy. Nyariki stated. The principal says they value their students and don t segregate noting that they have adopted a conversational approach where staff listen to student s problem and find solutions even on matters of school fees. Nyariki, a renowned mathematician says ICT integration is part of the course line at the Mr. Daniel Nyariki, Principal institute, observing that the current job market was very complex and the need for modern digital dexterity was necessary since the world is fast evolving to a digital economy. The institute has a well furnished and fully Albert Omariba, Deputy Principal equipped computer laboratory where all learners are taught about the integration of the modern Information, Communication and Technology. ICT Integration in the education curriculum is now compulsory, Nyariki said. Nyariki revealed that EGTTI is undoubtedly the most equipped technical training institute in Building and Civil Engineering in Eastern Region and urged students to take advantage of the rare opportunities and advance their careers in technical fields. No College in this part of the region has well equipped laboratories and workshops in building and civil engineering including other courses than Ekerubo Gietai Technical Training Institute, here we have the latest machines for training learners in building and road construction and we adopt a hands on approach and ensure students are ripe for the job market, said the Principal. Nyariki says the state-of-the-art equipment will greatly assist in promoting training of self reliance skills among the youth joining technical colleges. Our training is geared towards creating viable employment opportunities to our students thereby translating to even more job ventures TURN TO PAGE 25 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EKERUBO GIETAI TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE Website: ekerubogietaitti@gmail.com Telephone: EKERUBO GIETAI TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE 2016/2017 TRAINING PROGRAMMES DECember 2-15, 2016 BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT N LEV COURSE O EL GRADE DURATION 1 Business Management mod I,II,&III Dip KCSE C-/pass in Management mod II 6 months per module 2 Secretarial Studies Dip KCSE C-/pass in cert. in Single & Group stage III 3 terms 3 Business Finance Dip KCSE C-/pass in cert. in Social & Community Development mod II 3 terms 4 Human Resource Management mod I,II,&III Dip KCSE C-/pass in cert. in Human Resource mod II 6 months per module 5 Marketing Dip KCSE C-/pass in Craft Marketing mod II 3 terms 6 Supply Chain Management mod I,II,&III Dip KCSE C-/pass in Craft Marketing in Chain Management Mod II 6 months per module 7 Stores Management Dip KCSE C-/pass in mod II 3 terms 8 Entrepreneurship Dip KCSE C-/pass in mod II 3 terms 9 Cooperative Management Dip KCSE C- 2 years 10 Business Management mod I& II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 11 Secretarial Studies stage I, II & III Cert D+ plus 6 months per stage 12 Business Finance mod I& II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 13 Human Resource Management Mod I& II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 14 Marketing mod I& II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 15 Supply Chain Management mod I& II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 16 Stores Management mod I& II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 17 Entrepreneurship Cert KCSE D plain 3 terms 18 Cooperative Management Cert KCSE D plain 3 terms PROFESSIONAL COURSES 19 Accountancy Dip KCSE C- minus 2 years 20 ATD I, II & III Dip KCSE C- minus and above 6 months per level 21 CPA Part I, II & III Dip Pass in ATD III or KCSE C+ (C+ in English and Mathematics) 6 months per section GENERAL AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT 22 General Agriculture Dip KCSE C- minus 3 terms 23 General Agriculture Cert KCSE D plain 3 terms ICT AND LIBERAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 24 Information Communication Technology (ICT) mod I& II Dip KCSE C- minus or pass in cert. in ICT mod II 6 months per module 25 Information Communication Technology mod I&II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 26 Information Science/Librarianship Dip KCSE C- minus 2 years 27 Information Science/Librarianship Cert KCSE D plain 3 terms 28 Social Work and Community Development Dip KCSE C- minus 2 years 29 Social Work and Community Development Cert KCSE D plain 1 1 / 2 years INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT 30 Fashion Design & Garment Making mod I, II & III Dip KCSE C- minus/pass in Craft in Fashion Design and Garment Making 6 months per module 31 Fashion Design & Garment Making mod I & II Cert KCSE D plain 6 months per module 32 Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Dip KCSE C- minus 3 terms 33 Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Cert KCSE D plain 3 terms BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 34 Building Technology mod I, II & III Dip KCSE C-/pass in cert. in Building Technology 6 months per module 35 Civil Engineering mod I, II & III Dip KCSE C- mod I, II & III 36 Water Technology Dip KCSE C- minus 2 years 37 Land Survey Dip KCSE C- minus/pass in Certificate in Land Survey 2 years 39 Land Survey Cert KCSE D plain or pass in Artisan in Land Survey 1 1 / 2 years 39 Building Technology Cert KCSE D plain/pass in Artisan in Masonry 1 1 / 2 years ARTISAN COURSES 40 Fashion Design and Garment Making Artisan KCSE D- minus 1 year 41 Plumbing Artisan KCSE D- minus 1 year 42 Building Technology Artisan KCSE D- minus 1 year 43 Carpentry and Joinery Artisan KCSE D- minus 1 year The block making machine inside the masonry workshop INTAKE PERIOD: JAN, MAY AND SEPT. processing fee (non-refundable) payable to Ekerubo Gietai Technical EXAMINING INTAKE BODIES: PERIOD: KNEC, KASNEB JAN, MAY AND AND CITY SEPT. AND GUILDS AS Training Institute. APPLICABLE All applications EXAMINING to include BODIES: copies of the KNEC, result KASNEB slip or examination AND CITY AND GUILDS Applications AS APPLICABLE to be addressed to: The Principal Ekerubo Gietai Technical Training Institute P O BOX , NYAMIRA certificate, school leaving certificate, ID and Kshs.500/= money order

25 DECember 2-15, 2016 FROM PAGE 24 since majority of youths joining technical institutes will be armed with adequate skills and knowledge for self employment that the society direly requires, he stated. He added: Our Courses are market driven, the tea estates provide industrial attachments to our students giving real time experience, we also do job placements and industrial attachments to our students with the County governments and the National Government, the Principal said. The first cohort of 45 students did their KNEC exams in July 2016 and all of them performed tremendously well in their Diploma in Technical and Business courses including the Certificate and Artisan group. The second batch sat for November 2016 KNEC exams series and we can almost predict good results owing to the training that they got here at EGTTI, Nyariki noted.. The fee per term is only Sh10,600 totaling to Ekerubo Gietai TTI complex. The building hosts classrooms, administration block, laboratories and workshops. Education News 25 Nyamira based institute sees better days ahead largely to the humbling environment. He says teachers are well prepared and are up to date in syllabus coverage and practicals. There are enough facilities for practical, we are able to train students effectively, and it s worth noting that the centre did its inaugural KNEC exams and all students passed very well. This is highly attributable to the efficient syllabus coverage and adequate teaching facilities and conducive environment, said the Deputy Principal. Omariba also revealed that the Institute has a 24 hour CCTV surveillance to monitor all happenings in the college and check any possible breach of security. The Deputy Principal also said that a lot of construction works is going on especially with the advent of County governments including private developers and, therefore. appealed to students to hasten and enroll with the college and advance in their careers. In co-curriculum activities, EGTTI offers students with various sporting and non-sporting activities including soccer where they participated in the last Western Region ball games held at Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) where they progressed to the semis. Other disciplines include athletics, drama, music festivals, science and engineering fair (Research and Innovation), handball among other disciplines. The college plan is to expand the institution to even greater heights by introducing more courses especially in engineering (electrical, mechanical and electronics) and food science and technology. Part of the flagship project the college is currently undertaking is the Sh50 million Ultra Modern Library. The College has also installed a 50 Automatic Changer KVA generator to take care of blackouts including putting up more wash rooms and fencing the second phase of the college land. The College Principal has, however, appealed to the County Government of Nyamira through the Governor John Nyang arama to consider improving the road network to the Institute, stating that it poses the greatest challenge in accessing the institution. A technician inside the masonry store. President Uhuru Kenyatta inside state of the art masonry workshop at the Institute. Sh31,800 per year. Courses offered include Building and Civil Engineering department (Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, Survey, Water Technology), Information Communication Technology (ICT), Fashion and Design Dept, General Agriculture and Business Department among other market oriented disciplines. Ekerubo Geitai Technical Training Institute also keeps dairy cows. They currently have five dairy cows and they don t buy milk since what they get is sufficient for the staff and the students consumption. The Deputy Principal, Mr. Albert Omariba, who is in charge of discipline and assisting the principal in asset management and overseeing academic and other managerial duties says that their students are highly disciplined and that no major cases of indiscipline have been reported in the college attributing this The Lathe machine used for drilling timbers inside a carpentry workshop The entrance of the college. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (State Department of Technical and Vocational Training) MATHENGE MATHENGE TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TRAINING TRAINING INSTITUTE INSTITUTE COURSES OFFERED INTAKE TECHNICAL DIPLOMA COURSES (KNEC) JAN. MAY SEPT Min. Entry requirement 1. Diploma in Food & Beverage Management & Service Mod1,2 &3 Mod 1,2 &3 Mod1 2. Diploma in Dietetics Management Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2&3 Mod1 3. Diploma in Tourism & Management Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2&3 Mod1 4. Diploma in Automotive Engineering Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1, 2 &3 Mod1 5. Diploma in electrical & Electronics Engineering Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2&3 Mod1 6. Diploma in Building Technology Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod1 MOD 1.KCSE C-(minus) 7. Diploma in Civil Engineering Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2&3 Mod 1 MOD 2.Pass in MOD1 8. Diploma in Structural Engineering Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod 1 MOD3. Pass in mod2 9. Diploma in Quantity Survey Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod Diploma in General Agriculture Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod Diploma in Water Technology Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod Diploma in Fashion Design & Clothing Technology Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod Diploma in Information Communication Technology (DICT) Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1 2 &3 Mod Diploma in Marketing Mod 1,2&3 Mod 1, 2 &3 Mod1 15. Diploma In Supply Chain Management Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2 &3 Mod1 16. Diploma in Human Resources Management Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2 &3 Mod1 17. Diploma in Business Management Mod 1,2 &3 Mod 1,2 &3 Mod1 18. Diploma in Cooperative Management TEP ( 8 TERMS) 7 TERMS Intake TEP KCSE C-(minus) CRAFT CERTIFICATE COURSES (KNEC) 1. Craft in Food & Beverage Production & Service Mod1& 2 Mod 1&2 Mod1 2. Craft in Motor Vehicle Mechanic Mod.1& 2 Mod 1&2 Mod1 3. Craft in Welding and Fabrication Mod 1&2 Mod 1& 2 Mod1 4. Craft. in Electrical & Electronics Mod 1&2 Mod 1&2 Mod1 Min. entry requirement 5. Craft in Civil Engineering Mod.1& 2 Mod 1&2 Mod1 6. Craft in Plumbing 6 TERMS Intake TEP 7. Craft in Carpentry and Joinery 6 TERMS Intake TEP MOD1. KCSE D,(plain) 8. Craft in General Agriculture Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& 2 Mod1 MOD2. Pass in MOD1 9. Craft in Fashion Design & Garment Making Technology Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& Craft in Business Management Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& Craft in Sales and Marketing Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& Craft in Human Resources Management Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& Craft in Supply Chain Management Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& Craft in Information Communication Technology.( CICT) Mod 1& 2 Mod 1& 2 - ARTISAN COURSES (KNEC) (INTAKES MAY & SEPT.) INSTITUTE PERFORMANCE FOR LAST FIVE YEARS 1. Artisan in Food & Beverage 4 TERMS YEAR DIP CRAFT ARTISAN OVERALL PASS % 70.81% 100% 82.84% 2. Artisan in Motor Vehicle Mechanic 4 TERMS % 78.89% 100% 82.63% 3. Artisan in Welding and Fabrication 4 TERMS % 56.52% 100% 64.51% 4. Artisan in Plumbing 4 TERMS % 7 2.9% 100% 78.2% 5. Artisan in Garment Making 4 TERMS 6. Artisan in Carpentry and Joinery 4 TERMS 7. Artisan in Electrical & Electronics 4 TERMS % 77.55% 100% 84.17% OTHER COMPUTER COURSES 4 Computer Applications Internal (JANUARY, MAY & SEPTEMBER INTAKES) Form 4 leavers Applicants in courses Applicants examined courses by examined KASNEB by should KASNEB ensure should they ensure have they have registered as students of KASNEB before 31 st registered as students of KASNEB before May 31st for December exams and 31st NOVEMBER June exams May for December exams Applications and 31st accompanied NOVEMBER with June photocopies exams of KCSE result slip, Leaving Certificate, National ID card, Applications accompanied with Birth photocopies Certificate and of Testimonials, KCSE result (note slip, include your mobile numbers), should be sent to: Leaving Certificate, National ID card, The Principal/Secretary, BOG Mathenge Technical Training Institute. Mathenge TTI is ISO 9001:2008 Certified Birth Certificate and Testimonials, (note include your mobile numbers), P.O.BOX OTHAYA should be sent to: OR apply online through our website, www. mathengetti.ac.ke The principal/secretary, BOG, Mathenge Technical Training Institute. P.O.BOX EXCEL OTHAYA IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS OR apply online through our website, www. mathengetti.ac.ke EXCEL IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

26 26 Education News DECember 2-15, 2016 Sikri TTI leads in specialised training for persons with disabilities By Eric Nyayiera Sikri Technical Training Institute is obviously the leading regional Centre of Excellence for Vocational and Technical Training for Persons with Special needs. The institute which is a vocational training Centre is situated at Sikri 200 meters off Kisumu-Kisii Highway in Kasipul constituency, Homa-Bay County and it has continued to offer special needs training to its capable students enabling them to cope and adapt to the career dynamisms of the 21st century. It was established in 1970 by the CCM Brothers of Tilburg under the Catholic Diocese of Kisii serving then as a centre for the blind with training in general Agriculture as its main objective. The institute has transformed from a centre for the Blind as it was in to Agricultural Training Center for the Blind and Deaf Sikri in The Institute was incorporated as a Special Needs Technical Train- Inside the carpentry workshop. ing Institute. In 2015 by the Ministry of Education, State Department of Vocational and Technical Training incorporated it along with other TVET institutions changing the name to Sikri Technical Training Institute for the Blind and the Deaf. The Institute opens its doors for both men and ladies, it also admits even regular students as day-scholars. Sikri TTI has a student population of more than 80 learners, 18 TSC staff members, 2 volunteers and more than 20 support staff employed by the BOG. Principal Mr. Daniel Randa outlines that at Sikri Technical Training Institute they employ hands on ap- Daniel Randa, Principal. proach in their trainings noting that 75% of their work is purely practical with academics at 25%. At Sikri we focus on competency based training, ours is to impart real skills for living hence we strive to equip learners with the necessary requisite expertise in fields that are able to make them independent in life when they graduate, Randa noted. The principal says that they ve been able to change the belief that people with disabilities can t be independent, noting that the training and skills imparted have been able to produce best farmers including important human resource personnel in other technical fields in the society. Our uniqueness is that we embrace the five sense challenges; which are the sight, hearing, touch speech, mental besides cerebral palsy, epilepsy and the deaf/blind. he said. Many people don t understand the role the blind or deaf can play. We have been able to change the old narrative that persons with disabilities are only perceived as dependants Sikri TTI complex building hosts classrooms, laboratories and ICT Centre. Stanley Olwenge, Deputy Principal. to the realization that they can produce the best results in Agriculture and craft skills even better than the normal persons and the society can attest to that owing to the expertise we churn out there, Randa stated. He says they have been able to manage because their curriculum is adapted to suit each and every form of impairment. The departments orientation includes Agriculture (giving basic skills) and emphasis on Principle practices in Agriculture (food security), weaving and clothing for the Visually Impaired, Intellectually challenged and the Deaf. Agricultural department has the vast opportunity for the deaf and blind learners; they are able to rear and effectively attend to the many healthy dairy cattle, pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats in the institute s farm. There is also a vast agricultural land at the school farm where they are taught horticultural farming and the sight of the disabled learners at- TURN TO PAGE 27 The Principal Daniel Randa holding a soccer trophy won at the KETISO games. SIKRI TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF P.O. BOX , OYUGIS. Tel: sikriblindeaf@yahoo.com / sikriblindeaf@gmail.com Website: sikriblindeaf@yahoo.com/sikriblindeaf@gmail.com Website: COURSE DURATION MINIMUM QUALIFICATION EXAM BODY LIBERAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Business Education Single & Group Certificate (BES & GC) 12 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Stage 1 BES & GC stage 2 12 months Pass in Stage 1 KNEC BES & GC stage 3 12 months Pass in Stage 2 KNEC Clerk /Typist Artisan Certificate 24 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Salesmanship 24 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Store keeping 24 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Certificate in community development & Social work 30 months K.C.S.E. D (Plain) KNEC ECDE Proficiency 12 months K.C.P.E. KNEC AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT Practical Agriculture 36 months K.C.P.E./Open STTIBD Entrepreneurial Agriculture Module 1 (Diploma) 18 months K.C.S.E. C- KNEC General Agriculture Module 1 30 months K.C.S.E. D- KNEC REHABILITATI ON AND COMMUNICATION Certificate in Kenya Sign Language 12 months K.C.S.E. C- KNEC Rehabilitation (Hearing Impaired) 12 months Open STTIBD Rehabilitation (visually Impaired) 12 months Open STTIBD Shiatsu/Japanese Massage 12 months K.C.S.E. STTIBD DEAFBLIND DEPARTMENT Deaf Blind course 36 months Open STTIBD/KNEC BUILDING & CONSTRUCTII 3N DEPARTMENT Masonry Artisan 24 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Masonry Grade 3,2,1 12 months Open NITA Carpentry & Joinery 24 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Carpentry & Joinery Grade 3,2,1 12 months Open NITA Plumbing Grade 3,2,1 12 months Open NITA INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) DEPT. Information Communication Technology NVCET option 1 24 Months K.C.P.E. KNEC Computer Application Packages 6 months K.C.P.E./Open STTIBD Certificate in Information Technology Module 1 12 months K.C.S.E./D plain KNEC CLOTHING TEXTILE & INSTITUTION MGT DEPT Garment making artisan 24 months K.C.P.E. KNEC Garment making Grade 3,2,1 12 months Open NITA Hair Dressing & Beauty therapy NVCET 48 months K.C.P.E. NITA The The Application Application should should be addressed be addressed to the Registrar. to the Registrar. Copies of Copies of academic certificates result slips, ID Birth certificate should be attached. Call for more information. academic certificates result slips, ID Birth certificate should be attached. Call for more information.

27 DECember 2-15, 2016 Education News 27 The college that has changed lives for people with disabilities FROM PAGE 26 tending to the farms leaves one wondering on the enormous gifting the learners posses in agriculture that is the backbone of Kenya s economy. The institute also offers courses in Masonry, Welding and Fabrication, Information Communication, Communication (ICT), Rehabilitation and Communication, Building and Construction, Clothing and Textile among others. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Ministry of Education, State Department of Vocational and Technical Training, Teachers Service Commission, Catholic Diocese of Homa-Bay, area National Government- Constituency Development Fund (NG- CDF) who have supported us and walked with us through all our challenges.the teachers have done their best to the learners by nurturing and giving much needed attention to our special students, said Randa. He also heartily acknowledged the support of The Board of Governors who have played a pivotal role in standing with the school stating that they have assisted in virtually every step and made the running The Principal instructs students on how to harvest desmodium fodder to be fed to dairy cows. Inside a pigsty. A Visually Impaired student feeding pigs. of the school smoother despite the myriad challenges bedeviling the school. He praised the Rachuonyo Sub-County Hospital at Oyugis who have occasionally come to attend to the sick disabled learners and provided medicine at times of need. He also acknowledged the support of partners i.e CMM Brothers of Catholic Church and CBM a Non-Govermental Organization that have been supporting the institution. The principal, however, notes existing challenges including parents neglecting their disabled learners at school, failure to pay fees that stands at a paltry Sh10,000 per year. He says the outstanding fee areas stands at Sh700,000. Randa also says there have been difficulties in finding learners from the society stating that parents have not embraced the disabled children as opposed to the regular children who are often accorded enormous attention. He also noted that attending to the intellectually challenged learners is also a huge task because they don t know how to read and write. The school lacks even a van to facilitate efficient operations including in academic tours or co-curricular events, he noted, and appealed to the County Government of Homa-Bay to consider coming to their aid. Homa-Bay County should realize that it hosts a very special institution in the Country and the region, hence if there is a special allocation especially to assist the disabled, we request them to assist us, he humbly appealed. The institute s flagship project is the Sh. 60 million Twin Workshop Complex under construction that will house the library, classrooms and departmental offices. In co-curriculum activities, the institute offers wide range of sporting activities to its learners including soccer where they won a trophy at the Kenya Technical Training Institutes Sports Association (KETISO) games. Other sporting disciplines include handball, goal ball (for the blind), and hand ball for the deaf, athletics, volleyball, illustrative drama and trade fairs. The Deputy Principal, Mr. Stalin Olwenge, said they admit learners who have The main Entrance. Dairy cows reared at the institute. never been to school but are above 16 years and have never attended formal education. The Vision of the School was to take care and admit disabled children who have dropped out of primary school, those who have done their KCPE, those who may have dropped from secondary school and those who have been abandoned by the society and give them real hope of training for independence, said Olwenge. He added: Another category is the students admitted for rehabilitation after acquiring deafness or blindness as a result of sickness or misfortune, they could be professionals or laymen or even students from secondary or Universities who become blind or deaf all of a sudden. We rehabilitate them, take them through Braille and Sign language before they are readmitted back to where they came from, he said. The Deputy Principal said their curriculum is tailored to address the needs of particular students stating that they go at the pace of the students to address their uniqueness. They are not lumped together; learners compete with themselves until the tutors are certain that they are satisfied. Regional TTC leads the way in teacher training Our Reporter The Makindu-based Regional Teachers Training College (RTTC) has over the years stamped its authority in teacher training nationally. Located in Makindu town along the Mombasa Nairobi highway in Makueni County, the college offers diverse training opportunities for school leavers, right from primary to secondary. For Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) graduates with a pass, they can secure certificate training in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and proficiency at the college, an opportunity that is also open for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) graduates. The college offers PTE (P1) certificate courses for students who score KCSE grade C and above for a duration of 2 years. A one year diploma in ECDE is offered to students with C plain and above or P1 and P2 teachers or ECDE certificate teachers while a 2-year diploma SNE is offered to C Plain and above or P1 certificate. A three-year Diploma DTE (secondary option) is offered to students with KCSE grade C+ and above. Other courses offered by the college include short courses in ICT and HIV/AIDS awareness which are open to all students and which run for a duration of 1 to 3 months. Courses offered by the college are affordable, most of them ranging between Sh5,000 and Sh15,000 per course, term or holiday session depending on which course one is taking. R CoURSE TITLE Certificate ECdE & Proficiency Short Courses & Computer ICT & HIV/aIdS PTE (P1) Certificate course diploma ECdE diploma SNE diploma dte (Secondary option) REGIONAL TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE Education for better life COURSE OUTLINE / FEES STRUCTURE minimum REQUIREmENT All form 4 leavers & Std 8 KCPE Certificate pass Open to all students C Plain & Above C Plain & above or P1 & P2 Teachers or ECDE certificate teachers C Plain & above or P1 certificate duration/ TUTIoN & BoaRdING FULL TImE 1 Year 15,000/= per term 1 3 Months 5,000/= per course 2 Years 15,000/= per term 1 Year 15,000/= per term 2 Years 15,000/= per term C+ and above 3 Years 15,000/= per term NB: Exam body KNEC PaRT TImE 6 Sessions 5,500/= per holiday session 5,000/= per Course 6 Sessions 10,000/= per session 6 Sessions 7,500/= per holiday session 6 Sessions 7,500/= per session Contact us: P.O BOX , MAKINDU Mobile / Phone: / address: regionalteacherstrainingcollege@yahoo.com Situated at Makindu town along Mombasa Nairobi Highway in Makueni County.

28 Education INSIDE The Best Selling Newspaper on Education KNUT to sue over illegal transfer of teachers - Page 5 Controversy over varsity site in Baringo heats up - Page 6 DECember 2-15, 2016 Relief sought by affected tutors By Staff Reporter P1 A-Level Teachers Pressure Group national officials led by chairman, Joshua Kiambati, David Thagwambi (Secretary), Kepha Mshambala (Treasurer) Alice Lukose, Samuel Okongo, Francis Tonui, Isaac Manduku and Edward Mutiso. Photo/John Machio 5,000 teachers want TSC to clear pending 20-year arrears By John Machio After signing a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with teachers unions, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is back in the news, but this time round under pressure to clear the outstanding salary arrears of P1 A-Level teachers dating back to The Commission is under intense pressure from the P1 A-Level Teachers Pressure Group to correct the professional misconduct it (TSC) committed in 1996 by promoting untrained teachers who had undergone a two-week training to ATS-IV, leaving out their counterparts who trained for the regular two years. Officials of the Pressure Group said it is time the Commission exercised equity and fairness by upgrading all P1 A-Level teachers who went through regular training to Job Group M (under new grading Job Group C4 ), the scale whose minimum salary is Shs52,308 per month rising to a maximum of Shs65,385. The officials spoke to the Press at Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi. The teachers numbering over 5,000 are claiming salary arrears dating back to 20 years ago as that was the period their counterparts (Untrained A-Level teachers) were engaged in the Public service and fast-tracked to superior grades. The National Treasurer of the Pressure Group, Kepha Mushambala explained that in 2010 they were unprocedurally promoted from P1 to Approved Teacher Status One without being offered promotion letters of each grade. They missed out on Job Group ATS-IV, ATS-III and ATS-II. These grades were not captured in the letters of promotion. Procedurally, you are moved from P1 to ATS-IV then to ATS-III, followed by ATS-II then ATS-I. This was not the case in the 2010 promotions; the progression was not captured properly in the records, which led the P1 A-Level teachers to lose a lot in terms of incremental credit hence on retirement, it will be extremely difficult for the Director of Pension to trace our progression in grades. The Commission still owes us promotion to Job Group M as majority of our colleagues (Untrained) are either on M or thereabout, claimed Mushambala. Mushambala was accompanied by the National Chairman Joshua Kiambati, David Thagwambi (Secretary- General), Alice Lukose (Coordinator Nairobi), Samuel Okongo (Coordinator North Rift), Francis Tonui (Coordinator South Rift), Isaac Manduku (Coordinator Nyanza) and Edward Mutiso (Coordinator Eastern). The Pressure Group claimed that if they miss out on promotion letters in each of the three grades, their pension will be affected heavily. Said Mushambala: Incremental credits between P1 and ATS-I were not fully addressed, a situation that will seriously affect the computation of our pension. Already, some of our colleagues have started retiring, the reason why we call on TSC to promptly address the anomaly, failure to which we shall continue pushing the matter through the Industrial Court. The teachers through KUPPET have sought court redress over what they term as biased promotions effected by TSC after their counterparts who trained for two weeks (seminar) at both Kagumo and Bondo Teacher Training Colleges were offered P1 Certificates, and accordingly fast-tracked to superior grades (Job Group L and above) while those who trained for two years were left out. The affected teachers seek a wide range of relief which include: First; An order to be made declaring the promotion of A- Level teachers in 1996, 2010, 2013, 2014 and pending cases yet to be effected as biased and/ or discriminative. Secondly, they want a declaration of invalidity of the selective, discriminative promotion and inappropriate labour practices that were applied in 1996 that to date denies, violates, infringes or threatens fundamental rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights, Article 41, Clause (1) of the Constitution of Kenya (2010). Thirdly, the teachers are seeking an order of judicial review of the selective and discriminative labour practices that have been applied for 20 years to a section of P1 A-Level teachers. The fourth prayer sought is an order compelling TSC to equally accord the discriminated P1 A-Level teachers an equal opportunity to Common Cadre promotions as the case with their colleagues both serving under TSC and Public Service Commission, and the same be backdated to The fifth prayer is cost of the petition, and lastly any further incidental relief the court deems necessary to grant. In 1996, the Commission with the full blessings of the Ministry of Education promoted all Untrained A-Level teachers with the following grades: Sciences-: One Principal and a Subsidiary excluding General Paper; Arts-: One Principal and two Subsidiaries excluding General Paper. This cadre of teachers were promoted from Job group C to Job Group J, a development that saw them rise to Job Group L, and presently some are on Job Group M and thereabout. Among other issues that the teachers seek the court to determine is who deserves higher grade(s) between a trained and untrained teacher. They also seek the court to address issues touching on professionalism, particularly teachers who went through a two-year Pre-service professional training; three-year In-service professional training and those who attended a two-week seminar, but were awarded P1 Certificate. As things stand now, ATS-I teacher pockets Shs35,910 per month rising to a maximum of Shs45,880 with allowances as follows: House (Shs12,000), Commuter (Shs2,258), Medical (Shs2,246), Hardship (Shs6,118) and Special Duty (Shs2,039). The P1 are currently carrying home Shs16,692 rising to a maximum of Shs21,304 with allowances as follows: House (Shs3,000), Commuter (Shs1,000), Medical (Shs954), Hardship (Shs3,354) and Special Duty (Shs1,118). Nancy Macharia, TSC boss Education News is published fortnightly by SHREND PUBLISHERS & SUPPLIES LTD. Head Office: Osiligi Building, Second Floor, Ongata Rongai, P.O. Box GPO, NAIROBI. TEL: / / / news@educationnews.co.ke / editor@educationnews.co.ke Website: Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper