Youth Polytechnic Students’ Perception of Vocational Training in Nandi County, Kenya
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Date
2015-08
Authors
Metto, Kipkemboi Wilson
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Every year, over 550,000 pupils sit for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and only
about 70% secure admission in secondary schools. As a remedy, Youth Polytechnics (YPs)
provide alternative avenues as institutions of learning so as to absorb those who do not proceed
to secondary schools. YPs offer school leavers opportunity to acquire competitive skills and
knowledge for gainful employment. However despite the rationale for the introduction of YPs to
equip youth with skills, there are increasing concerns regarding YP students’ perception of
vocational training. The purpose of the study was to investigate and describe YP students’
perception of vocational training in Nandi County, Kenya. The overall objective of this study
was to investigate YP students’ perception of vocational training. Other objectives were:- to
ascertained YP students’ perception of instructor competencies, to establish YP students’
perception of skills learnt, to investigate YP students’ perception of teaching strategies and
methods of training and lastly to explore YP student challenges experienced. The study used a
cross sectional survey design in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected on
sampled YPs in Nandi County, Kenya. YP students’ perception and vocational training were
dependent and independent variables respectively. The target population was 1521students, 34
instructors and 12 principal managers in YPs in Nandi County, Kenya. Purposive and cluster
sampling techniques were used to pick 6 YPs, 17 instructors and 6 principal managers
respectively. Principal Managers are the heads of YPs. Thirty percent trainees were sampled
from a total population of 1521which turned out to be 457. The data collection instruments were
questionnaires, interview schedules and documentary analysis checklist prepared for students,
instructors and principal managers. Research instruments were validated by engaging
suggestions given by the supervisors. Later, test retests of the instruments were conducted so as
to make them reliable. Data were organized by coding and presented through tabulation using
charts, graphs and pie-charts. It was analyzed by descriptive statistical techniques. Measures of
central tendencies such as mean, median and mode were calculated. The data obtained from
questionnaires were analyzed by calculating mean while for document analysis checklist and
interview schedules they were analyzed by finding mode and frequencies. The study found that
YPs student had either positive or negative perceptions of vocational training which emanated
from-: instructor competencies, skills learnt, teaching methodologies, challenges encountered;
student entry behavior and societal beliefs. Further, it was also found that instructors had
pedagogy challenges; YPs faced many challenges which included rundown and old facilities.
The study also revealed that most learners in YPs were weak academically and needed
motivation. The study recommends: - all potential students to enroll for courses in YPs,
curriculum to be improved; in-service training to be organized for instructors and modern
facilities and resources to be availed. The findings are useful to the Ministry of Education,
Ministry of Planning, the Directorate of Youth Affairs, County Governments, Departments YPs
and potential trainee, parents with prospective learners, Kenya society and community as a
whole.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Communication and Technology, School of Education Kenyatta University, August- 2015