YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

KILIFI COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH TRAINING

YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY

APRIL, 2014

Preamble

Youth Polytechnics (YPs) are basic education institutions intended to offer

opportunities to acquire quality skills and knowledge to make them
employable while at the same time providing avenues and paths for
attaining higher education through technical and vocational education
system. Specifically, they also equip the school leavers with technical and
entrepreneurial skills based on appropriate technology enabling them unleash
their entrepreneurial capacity to fully exploit local community resources for
employment creation.

In order to support the development of YPs and up scale the acquisition of

skills by the youth, the County government and development partners are
facilitating through assisting by providing tools and equipment, supporting
infrastructure development and has introduced the Subsidized Youth
Polytechnic Tuition (SYPT). To supplement this, the Youth Polytechnics are
expected to work out their own ways t
o financial sustainability through Income Generating Activities (IGAs).

Youth Polytechnics have for a long time been neglected in the planning and
implementation of education and training policies. This resulted into serious
deterioration of infrastructure and human capacities. This deterioration led to
low quality training and hence production of unemployable graduates
subsequently fanning the negative attitude towards these institutions

1.0 ISSUES IMPINGING ON THE YOUTH

1.1 Unemployment and underemployment

The economic growth rate has not been sufficient to create enough
employment opportunities to absorb the increasing labour force. Most of

1
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014
these are the youth, only about 25% of whom are absorbed, leaving 75% to
bear the burden of unemployment. Furthermore, some of those absorbed in
the labour market have jobs that do not match their qualifications and
specialization.

1.2 Health related problems

The youth face a myriad of health related problems, including widespread
malaria, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),
drug and substance abuse as well as poor access to health services.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is more prevalent among the youth under 30 years
of age. Available statistics show that the youth make up 33% of Kenyans
infected with Aids.

Teenage pregnancies are unique to the female youth. Some of the

consequences of these are dropping out of school and risks to life through
unsafe abortions.

1.3 Increasing school and college drop-out rates

Many youth drop out of school and college due to the high cost of education
and increase in overall poverty levels, poor returns on investment in
education and lack of a re-admission policy for teenage mothers, among other
reasons.

1.4 Crime and deviant behaviour

Due to idleness, especially after formal education, the youth become restless
and try anything. Some end up in crime or with deviant behaviour.

1.5 Limited sports and recreation facilities

Sports and recreation facilities provide the youth with an opportunity to
socialize and spend their time productively, strengthening and developing
their character and talents. However, such facilities are scarce and, where
they exist, they are sometimes not accessible to the youth.

1.6 Abuse and exploitation

Owing to their vulnerability, the youth are exposed to sexual abuse, child
labour and other forms of economic exploitation under the guise of
employment and other forms of abuse. There is currently little protection
from the authorities.

1.7 Limited participation and lack of opportunities

Despite their numerical superiority, youth are least represented in political
and economic spheres due to societal attitudes, socio-cultural and economic
barriers, and lack of proper organization.

2
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

1.8 Limited and poor housing

Many youth, especially those in the urban areas, do not have access to decent
housing in environments that favour healthy living.

1.9 Limited access to information and communication technology (ICT)

The youth cannot exploit career, business and education opportunities

available because they lack access to ICT, due to unavailability especially in
rural areas, and high costs.

These issues call for urgent intervention. A comprehensive County Youth

Policy is a major step towards putting Kilifi’s youth in the limelight of
meaningful social, economic and political development.

2.0 Radicalization, terrorism and religious extremism,

the impact of religious radicalization that has led to a lot of youth engaging in
terrorist and terrorism actitivities,the county needs to come out clearly with
policies and measures to tackle this emerging trend

THE YOUTH POLYTECHNIC

SECTOR

The county government will support Youth training by ensuring that training
in the Youth polytechnics is improved by-;
 Infrastructure development
 Staffing
 Provision of Subsidized Youth Polytechnic Tuition(SYPT)
 Training of instructors recruited by Management Committees on
pedagogy skills
 Community mobilization for ownership of Youth Polytechnics
 Procurement of tools and equipment for Youth polytechnics
 Provision of computers and computer accessories

2.1 Rationale for policy

The policy formulation for YPS is guided by the recognition that

vocational education and training is an investment with significant
returns including the well-being of youth, enhanced productivity and
competitiveness in a market economy. It is acknowledged that there is

3
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014
need to mainstream YP&VTC into the education and training
framework. This will provide guidelines for a coordinated approach to
supporting and promoting economic growth, quality technical,
industrial, vocational and entrepreneurial training programmes.

2.3.1 Goal of the Policy

The goal of the policy is to mainstream YP& VTC into the County
education and training framework and reposition them to play an
effective role in the development of the youth for employment and life-
long learning.

2.3.2 Objectives

The main objectives of the policy are to:

 Establish institutional framework that ensures a coherent partnership

amongst government, employers, professional associations, non-
governmental organisations, community and industry to promote
good governance, for the growth and prosperity of youth polytechnics.

 Facilitate resource mobilization and allocation for capacity and

competency building of youth polytechnics.

 Ensure quality training in youth polytechnics that facilitate competitive

participation in community, national, regional and global economy.

 Expand the scope of youth polytechnics to improve access and equity

for the youth, women and persons with disabilities.

 Promote and popularise information and communication technology

as a medium of learning, trade, management and development in
youth polytechnics

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

The following strategic focus areas have been identified to overcome the
challenges and constraints facing the YPs & VTC sector.

Strategic Focus Areas

4
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014
Quality shared philosophy
Governance and Management

Transparent/Accountable
Capacity and competence
Human Resource Development
and Management

Curriculum/quality/relevance
Training Progammes and Assessment /Certification
Quality Assurance.
Innovative/Creativity

Infrastructure Facilities & Adequate

Equipment Relevance
Capacity/technology

POLICY ON
Financing & Partnership Industry/MSE YOUTH
POLYTECHNIC
& VOCAT IONAL
Sponsors/communities TRAINING
NATIONAL
e-learning SECTOR
YOUTH
Information and Communication
POLICY
Technology e-governance

Local TTI, ITS, NYS

Foreign
Collaboration and Networking Institutions
Foreign institutions
Vulnerable

Expanding Access, Equity,

Guidance and Counselling.
Vulnerable/Special needs
Gender parity
Legal Framework

Challenges

1.0 GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

1.1 The functionality of any training institution mainly depends on the

governance and management structures. It is of critical importance
that such structures promote cohesion, nurture accountability and
provide visionary leadership necessary to create a conducive learning
environment. The kilifi government recognizes the need for
stakeholder involvement in the governance of youth polytechnics and
the vocational training centres.
The structure of governance and management should therefore aim
at encouraging cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders for

5
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014
effective representation and participation; and enhancement of
democracy, ownership, transparency and accountability including
decentralization and mobilisation of local potentials. In this regard the
government, the community, and the private sector should be fully
involved in developing youth polytechnics and vocational training
centres
in the spirit of tripartite governance.

Youth Polytechnics should be mainstreamed into the County

education structures in order to enhance integration, vertical and
horizontal mobility, participation and life-long learning.

1.2 To address the governance and management structures within the

Youth Polytechnics and vocational training centres, the County
government will facilitate the implementation of this policy through
the following:

 Establishment and implementation of a legal mechanism for

community corporate ownership of Youth Polytechnics and
securing the assets of the youth polytechnics.

 Establishment of a mechanism for consultation, dialogue and

coordination of various stakeholders in the sector.

 Application of principles of good governance and credible

reputation with stakeholders.

 Adoption and implementation of the National government criterion

for the appointment of Board of Governors.
 Enforcement of the governance and management structures of
youth polytechnics with the County Education Board(CEB) so as to
ensure participation and collaboration with other stakeholders in
the County.

1.3 To implement this policy, the following strategies will be applied:-

 Incorporate Youth Polytechnics and vocational training centres as

corporate bodies with power to own, dispose property, sue and be
sued in the corporate name.

 Apply for licensing and registration of Youth Polytechnics and

vocational training centres in accordance with the provisions of the
relevant legislation.

6
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

 Establish a County Youth Polytechnics Centre Board and other

necessary mechanisms for the effective participation of stakeholders
in the development, management and coordination of education
and training services in the sector.

 The Minister for the time being in charge of Youth Polytechnics

shall appoint Boards of Governors with appropriate stakeholders’
representation.

 Ensure that all persons appointed to the Boards of Governors shall

be suitably qualified and experienced in education and public
affairs or industry, commerce, finance, professional practice and be
persons of high integrity as stipulated in the rules and regulations
for appointment of BOGs.

 Ensure management boards promote dialogue and participation of

staff and students to improve democratic governance.

 Ensure management boards periodically develop strategic plans

with a vision and mission for the Youth Polytechnics.

2.0 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

2.1 Appropriate human resource capacities and competencies to match the

envisaged status of Youth Polytechnics and vocational training centres
are key in policy considerations. There exists a scheme of service for
YP instructors and auxiliary staff. It is recognized that public image
concerns of the youth polytechnics are manageable by putting in
place mechanisms to address gaps between competencies and the
responsibilities of those mandated to provide and manage
education and training in the sector. The need to build the human
resource capacities and enhance competencies will be a major
responsibility of the County government.

7
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014
2.2 In order to ensure human resource development and management
for the youth polytechnics, the County Government will facilitate
implementation of the following:

 Integration of qualified and competent staff of Youth

Polytechnics within the existing legal framework.

 Collaboration with stakeholders and development partners, in

human resource development programmes.

 Development of skills upgrading and in-service programmes

for instructors, principals and members of Board of Governors.

2.3 To implement this policy, the following will be applied:-

 Ensure recruitment of competent personnel who posses appropriate

professional skills in accordance with the laid down government
regulation as outlined in the competitive scheme of service.

 Develop and implement criteria for the appointment and

appropriate deployment of YP Managers.

 Ensure efficient and cost effective utilization of instructors by

reviewing and establishing appropriate staffing norms.

3.0 TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND

QUALITY ASSURANCE

3.1 Youth Polytechnics training programmes are expected to provide

training that promotes horizontal and vertical mobility as well as life-
long learning. It is also expected to provide market focussed skills that
are responsive to a competitive economy. These institutions shall offer
training programmes tailored to the needs of appropriate technology
and resources of the community in which they operate. Thus, these
institutions shall provide technical, entrepreneurial, ICT skills to
prepare the youth take responsibility in production as self employed or
create employment at local level. The programmes shall also foster
participation of youth and adults especially disadvantaged individuals
or persons with special needs thus the need for an appropriate and
flexible delivery mechanism is important.

8
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

High level of performance and productivity demanded by the

competitive economic environment requires close collaboration
between training institutions and employers. The new global training
demand multi- skilling and competence based skills.

Skills recognition, assessment and certification are important

components of training and skills development. They serve as a check
to training providers and testing and certification agencies.

3.2 In order to ensure quality and relevant training YPs & VTCs, the
County government shall facilitate the implementation of the
following:-
.

 Formulation of guidelines to categorise Youth Polytechnics.

 Approved curriculum implementation.

 Entrenching entrepreneurship, life skills and ICT programmes in

YPs.

 Comply with the systems of assessment of competencies to promote

mobility and linkages for entry and re-entry into the system.

 Encouraging the culture of innovation and creativity

3.3 To implement this policy, the following will be applied:-

 Improving the Youth Polytechnics to enable them offer training

programmes within the mainstream technical education and
training system.

 Rationalizing training programmes offered in the YPs to provide

market responsive training that meets the needs of different target
groups and the socio-economic needs of immediate communities.

 Undertaking an audit of the tools, equipment and infrastructure

development programme for financing.

 Identify suitable courses to respond to labour market needs locally

and globally.

9
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

 Developing business training programmes in order to inculcate

entrepreneurial culture in the youth.

 Collaborate with industry and other stakeholders and develop

industrial and Business Experiencing Attachment (BEA) to enhance
quality and relevance of training programmes.

 Engaging Quality Assurance and Standards (QAS) personnel to

monitor and evaluate YPs to ensure compliance with set standards
in the National Qualification Framework.

 Ensure all programmes are assessed internally and externally and

certified by recognised Assessment and Certification bodies.

 Developing flexible curriculum delivery mechanism such as, part-

time, evening, e-learning and holiday programmes in order to
accommodate variety of learners.

4.0 INFRASTRUCTURE, TOOLS

AND EQUIPMENT.

4.1 Adequate infrastructure, tools and equipment are essential for quality
training and conducive learning environment.
The provision of these facilities and equipment in youth polytechnics
has remained a persistent challenge. The condition of the majority of
Youth Polytechnics is deplorable due to lack of electricity, poor access
roads and inadequate and unreliable water supply. The obsolete or
non- functional tools and equipment jeopardize the quality of training.
There is limited budgetary allocation for developing and upgrading
infrastructure and acquiring tools and equipment.

The planning and development of Youth Polytechnics shall be in

accordance with the provisions of the National and County Acts.

4.2 To ensure the provision of adequate infrastructure, tools and

equipment in Youth Polytechnics, the County government will
facilitate the implementation of the following:

 Acquisition of title deeds for Youth Polytechnics.

10
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

 Provision of adequate and appropriate infrastructure and

equipment in Youth Polytechnics.

 Provision of guidelines for security and insurance for

infrastructure, tools and equipment.

 Provide guidelines, implement and encourage the culture of

maintenance of infrastructure, tools and equipment.

 Collaboration with other relevant ministries, development

partners, private sector, parastatals, Sub county committees and
other stakeholders to target YPs in development programmes
such as access roads, rural electrification, communication and
water services.

 Mobilisation of resources, rehabilitation and support of the

Youth Polytechnics.

 Promotion of investment and use of alternative sources of

energy and appropriate technology.

 Development of appropriate physical infrastructure for students

with special needs.

 Provision of recreational facilities.

4.4 To implement this policy, the following strategies will be

applied:-

 Work in partnership with parents, communities, private sector and

development partners in the provision of adequate infrastructure,
tools and equipment.

 Encourage the youth to participate in recreation and sporting

activities.
 Develop and systematically implement an infrastructure
modernisation programme to match the changing training needs.
 Develop and implement equipment maintenance and replacement
programmes so as to be responsive to technological change.
 Introduce use of alternative sources of energy such as solar energy,
bio-mass and windmills in Youth Polytechnics

11
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

 Collaborate with the relevant government ministry and agencies to

ensure that YPs are targeted in rural electrification programmes.

5.0 FINANCING AND PARTNERSHIP

5.1 The financing of education and training at basic level is a responsibility

of the Government and parents. Due to inadequate financial resource
allocation, the growth of YPs have stagnated inspite of their strategic
locations. The situation is further compounded by lack of guidelines to
motivate the private sector to take an active role in supporting the
development of Youth Polytechnics. While there are opportunities to
generate extra financial resources through IGAs, the management of the
YPs have not embraced the concept fully. For the sector to grow, the
need for adequate financing and budgetary allocation cannot be over
emphasized. Similarly there is need to promote partnership with
private sector and development partners to supplement County
government resources.

5.2 In order to ensure adequate financial resources to youth polytechnics,

The County government shall facilitate the implementation of the
following:

 Provision of annual budgetary allocation in the County budget

for development of the youth polytechnic system.

 Collaboration with parents, communities and sponsors in the

financing of appropriate facilities in the sector.

 Establishment of a mechanism for continuous review of unit

cost for each course in Youth polytechnics.

 Promotion of private sector financing through social

partnership and corporate social responsibility.

 Promotion of income generating activities through expanded

training programmes and supply of goods and services.

5.3 To implement this policy, the following strategies will be applied:-

 Develop financing plan and mechanism for collaboration with all

stakeholders in sector.

 Systematically increase County budgetary allocation to the sector.

12
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

 Institutionalize and build capacity for prudent financial management

to ensure efficient and cost effective use of resources in Youth
Polytechnics.

 Ensure balanced representation of stakeholders, private sector and

partners in the governance of the sector.

 Develop guidelines for determining unit cost for each course in the
sector for the purpose of determining levels of funding.

 Develop guidelines for utilization of funds from income generating

activities.

6.0 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY

6.1 An information and communication technology literate workforce is

the foundation on which Kenya can acquire the status a middle income
and industrialized economy as envisaged in vision 2030. It is in light of
this background that the government has formulated Information and
Communication Technology National Policy which was published in
2006. A national ICT strategy for education and training aimed at
guiding the sector in adopting ICTs across all levels of education and
training has been developed. The strategies in the policy initiative will,
when extended to the YPs system ensure that there is efficient flow of
information, management and coordination of training throughout the
country.

There are a number of challenges facing access and use of Information

and Communication Technology. These include limited rural
electrification; high levels of poverty, high operational costs and abuses
associated with information and communication technology
equipment and qualified instructors.

6.2 To address the above challenges, the County government shall

facilitate the implementation of the following:

 Development of a mechanism with stakeholders for

introduction of information and communication technology in
youth polytechnics.

13
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

 Collaboration with stakeholders to invest in ICT in Youth

Polytechnics.

 Integration of ICT education and training into the Youth

Polytechnic programmes.

 Promotion of proper use of ICT as a tool for effective

management, communication research and development.

 Promotion of the use of ICT for entrepreneurship development.

 Establishment of community ICT centre in YPs to spear head

usage of ICT by community in continuing education.

6.3 To implement this policy, the following strategies will be applied:-

 Build the capacity of instructors and heads of Youth

Polytechnics to facilitate the use of Information and
Communication Technology.

 Create partnership that will facilitate the use of institutional

information and communication technology services by the
youth and the communities.

 Involve stakeholders in improvement of ICT facilities in YPs

relevant to the needs of communities.

 Establish controls at all levels of ICT integration to avoid abuse

of YP based information and communication technology
systems.

 Acquire specialized ICT facilities for learners with special needs.

7.0 COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING

7.1 The revitalization of YPs to offer quality training will require

collaboration and networking. There exists no structured collaboration
between YPs and industry including the informal sector in areas such
as transfer of technology, attachment, part-time lecturing and
procurement of goods and services.

14
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

7.2 To address the above challenges, the County government shall

facilitate the implementation of the following:

 Promotion of constructive collaboration arrangements with local

and international institutions to enhance vertical and horizontal
mobility.

 Development of mechanisms for networking with formal and

informal sectors of the economy.

7.3 To implement this policy, the following strategies will be applied:-

 Create awareness in YPs on the benefits of collaboration and

networking.

 Create capacity in youth polytechnics to enable them benefit

from collaboration and networking with key stakeholders.

 Jointly with key partners develop and implement programmes

to foster collaboration and networking with industry and
institutions both Locally, nationally and internationally.

 Foster representation of key stakeholders in the sector in policy

implementation.

8.0 EXPANDING ACCESS, EQUITY, GUIDANCE

AND COUNSELLING

8.1 The attainment of Education for All (EFA) by 2015 is a major goal of
the government in line with its commitments to international
declaration, protocols and conventions (Jomtien-Thailand 1990, and
Dakar Senegal, 2000) and by the Millennium Development Goals).
These have been domesticated in the Children’s Act (8 of 2001
Roselyne) and other laws of the country.

Whereas YPs are generally distributed across the country, regional and
gender disparities exist. The social fabric is weak hence increasing
involvement in crime, sexual, drug and subsistence abuse by the youth.

15
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014
8.2 To address the above challenges, the County Government shall
facilitate the implementation of the following:

 Revitalize at least one YP in each constituency.

 Operationalize the gender policy for enhancing gender parity

and meeting the needs of vulnerable groups.

 Provisions of grants and bursaries to enhance access to YPs by

the vulnerable groups and ASAL areas.

 Establishment of guidance and counselling units in YPs

To implement this policy, the following strategies will be applied:-

 Develop criteria for selection of YPs to be upgraded into Centres

of Excellence.

 Ensure that the institutional environment is gender and special

needs responsive.

 Sensitize communities to discard socio-cultural practices that

hinder effective participation of girls in technical programmes.

 Allow the re-entry of girls who drop out due to pregnancies or

forced early marriage.

 Encourage boarding facilities in YPs.

 Establish financing mechanisms through bursaries and

scholarships to poor, disadvantaged, vulnerable groups and
persons with special needs.

 Operationalize affirmative action for disadvantaged and

vulnerable groups.

 Popularize YP programmes to target Beneficiaries.

 Build the capacity of instructors to deliver on emerging issues

such as HIV/AIDs, sexual, drug and substance abuse.

16
 YOUTH POLYTECHNICS POLICY 2014

I therefore submit this draft policy for public participation

EDDYSTELLA WANJA
COUNTY DIRECTOR YOUTH TRAINING.

RECCOMMENDED BY -:
JOSEPH KATANA.
CHIEF OFFICER
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

APPROVED BY -:
SALMA MUHIDDIN AHMED
COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EDUCATION ,YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

17