The youth polytechnic programme in Kenya in the context of the 8-4-4 system of education: case study of Kakamega districts

Abstract

Youth unemployment has remained a serious problem in Kenya. Relevant education system and skill-training programmes such as the Youth Polytechnics have been initiated to solve this problem. YPS were established to train primary school leavers in skills for wage and self-employment.

Since the inception of the new 8-4-4 vocational curriculum, it is not clear as to whether YPS should reinforce the skills given by the primary school or not; hence the need to investigate the role of the YPS in the context of the 8:4:4 system of education.

Data was collected in thirteen selected YPS and Primary Schools in Kakamega district. The sample size consisted of four hundred and sixty eight respondents who included the head teachers, standard eight teachers and pupils; Youth Polytechnic managers, Instructors and trainees.

Instruments for data collection included a questionnaire, Interview and Observation schedules. Data was analysed and reported through descriptive statistics according to the purpose, objectives and research questions of the study.

Research findings revealed that primary school teachers are not technically trained to teach pre-vocational subjects; hence the school alone cannot provide adequate skills for direct employment. The Youth Polytechnic still serves a significant role in skill training; and it needs to expand its programme to cater for the primary and secondary school leavers.