We must embrace technical studies to achieve Vision 2030, says Ruto

What you need to know:

  • He said the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) had been expanded to fund technical and middle level tertiary institutions to ensure more people access the programmes.

Deputy President William Ruto has said the government is constructing 130 technical institutions in a bid to increase skilled manpower to propel the country into a middle income economy.

Speaking at Kangaru High School during the academic excellence day, he said the government acknowledged that embracing technology is the only way to achieve Vision 2030, hence is wooing students to take up technical courses.

He also said the curriculum is being reviewed to give priority to technical education saying it was favouring art studies, which might hinder achieving Vision 2030.

“We should stop taking those who have failed to technical colleges. To actualize Vision 2030, we must have people with technical skills,” said the DP.

He added: "Vision 2030 will rely heavily on technical subjects. It is sad that many colleges are still teaching irrelevant subjects such as how Vasco da Gama came to Kenya. How will this help us and the man is already dead? Developed countries have embraced technical courses.”

He said the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) had been expanded to fund technical and middle level tertiary institutions to ensure more people access the programmes.

Mr Ruto was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Senators Lenny Kivuti (Embu), Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nithi) and MPs Charles Njagagua (Mbeere North), Mr John Muchiri (Manyatta), Cecily Mbarire (Runyenjes), Mr Mustafa Idi (Kilifi South) and Rose Mitaru (Embu).

Editing by Philip Momanyi