Concerns have arisen over Kenya’s potential loss of a multi-million EUR grant from the French Development Agency (AfD) and the European Union (EU), intended to support Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) across the country.
The grant, crucial to improving Kenya’s vocational education sector, is set to expire in November if not signed, yet the process has seemingly stalled, with allegations pointing to the inaction of the Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria.
According to insider reports, Dr. Muoria has shown little interest in advancing the process, leaving the grant at risk of expiration.
Diplomatic sources from the French and German Embassies, key partners in the grant, have reportedly made numerous attempts to encourage movement on the matter, even directly pleading with Dr. Muoria.
However, their efforts have been unsuccessful, raising concerns about Kenya’s commitment to securing this crucial funding.
The grant, jointly provided by AfD and the EU, is aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and curriculum of Kenya’s technical institutes, a critical component of the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
The funds are intended to equip young Kenyans with practical skills to address unemployment and enhance their capacity to meet the demands of a growing economy.
However, with the clock ticking toward the November deadline, there are fears that the lack of urgency could result in Kenya forfeiting this opportunity.
Diplomatic sources have expressed frustration over the stalled process, as both the French and German Embassies view the grant as a major investment in Kenya’s educational future.
Adding to the concerns are reports from ministry insiders, who claim that Dr. Muoria’s management style may be part of the problem.
Several sources describe her leadership as unprofessional, alleging that she frequently intimidates staff during meetings, creating a toxic environment that may be contributing to the delays.
This lack of coordination within the Ministry of Education has left many questioning whether the grant process can be completed before the looming deadline.
The grant’s importance extends beyond immediate financial assistance.
It represents an opportunity to transform the TVET sector in Kenya, a key part of the government’s strategy to provide youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving labor market.
Technical and vocational education is viewed as a vital pathway to reducing unemployment, and the AfD-EU grant would provide critical resources to develop training facilities and modernize the curriculum.
However, if the grant expires without being utilized, the consequences could be severe.
The opportunity to improve Kenya’s technical institutes could be lost, leaving the country without much-needed funding to support its education system.
The delay also risks damaging Kenya’s reputation among international development partners, which could impact future funding opportunities from agencies like the EU and AfD.
The lack of progress has sparked calls for accountability and immediate action from Dr. Muoria and the Ministry of Education.
Education sector stakeholders, including representatives from technical institutes and vocational training programs, have expressed dismay at the risk of losing such a transformative grant.
Furthermore, questions are being raised about why Kenya would neglect such a substantial financial opportunity, especially at a time when the country faces big challenges in providing quality education and addressing unemployment.
The grant, which could have far-reaching impacts on both economic growth and youth development, is being viewed as too valuable to let slip away due to bureaucratic inaction.
With the deadline fast approaching, pressure is mounting on Dr. Muoria to prioritize the completion of the necessary steps to secure the grant.
Without decisive action, the Ministry of Education may not only lose millions of euros in funding but also jeopardize the future of Kenya’s vocational education sector.
As time runs out, the spotlight is on Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria and the Ministry of Education to step up and ensure that the grant is signed and secured.
The fate of the AfD-EU funds, and the future of Kenya’s technical training institutes, hang in the balance.
Add Comment