Transparency International Urges Kakamega to Address Education Sector Deficiencies

Transparency International Kenya has urged the Kakamega County government to address critical deficiencies in the education sector, following the release of an audit report focusing on Vocational Training Programs (VTCs).

The report, presented in Kakamega Town by Brian Kibira, Project Officer for Transparency International in the Western region, highlights a lack of resources, inadequate teaching staff, and poor infrastructure as key challenges undermining the quality of education in VTCs.

“The report identifies several key areas of concern, particularly the shortage of learning materials, the need for more qualified teachers, and inadequate school facilities. The county government must act quickly to address these issues to ensure that students receive a quality education,” Kibira stated.

The audit also revealed that only about 5% of students enrolled in VTCs have disabilities, raising concerns about inclusivity. Kibira attributed this to a combination of insufficient resources, social stigma, and a lack of awareness about available support services for students with disabilities.

"Physical accessibility barriers, both within VTC buildings and in the surrounding environments, are hindering access for students with disabilities," he noted.

Kibira commended the partnership between Transparency International and the Kakamega County government, which facilitated data collection for the report.

“This collaboration has been instrumental in identifying the challenges we face and will help guide future improvements in the education sector,” he added.

In response, Kakamega County’s Education Chief Officer, Dr. Boniface Okoth, assured residents of the county government’s commitment to addressing the identified gaps.

“We are determined to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to improve education in Kakamega County,” Dr. Okoth said. He emphasized the importance of parents playing an active role in their children’s education.

“Education is key to unlocking opportunities, and we must work together to ensure every child has access to quality education,” he added.

The county government has pledged to prioritize the implementation of the report’s recommendations, focusing on improving infrastructure, increasing resources, and fostering inclusivity in vocational training programs.