Relevance of vocational courses for trainees with physical disabilities to market demands at Muriranjas and Nyandarua centres, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relevance of vocational courses offered to trainees with physical disabilities in relation to market demands. A descriptive survey design was used. The study was carried out at Muriranjas and Nyandarua vocational training centres. The centres were chosen because they were rural and had trainees with physical disabilities. Objectives of the study were to establish the type of courses offered, find out the relevance of the courses to the job market, establish the qualification of instructors and explore the adequacy and appropriateness of physical facilities used. Purposive sampling was applied to get a sample size of 62 respondents which consisted of 2 managers, 12 instructors, 44 trainees and 4 officials of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Data were collected by use of questionnaires, interviews and observation checklist. Data were analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer programme and results presented in frequency tables and percentages. The findings indicated that causes offered were relevant to job markets but many trainees exited without the skills. Instructors were trained in there areas of instruction but 50% had no knowledge in special needs education. Equipment was not adequate and the few available were obsolete. Market surveys were not be carried out and curriculum had not been revised for a long time. The study recommended that vocational training curriculum be revised, more instructor employed and trainees taken for attachments to make the courses more relevant.