Access to Quality Technical Education Vocational and Training in the Context of the Post Covid-19 Pandemic in Kenya

Hezekiah Adwar Othoo – Department of Education Psychology, Management and Policy Studies
Alupe University College, Kenya
James Sika – Department of Education Management and Foundations
Maseno University, Kenya
Justus Ojuok – Department of Education Management and Foundations
Maseno University, Kenya
Festus Opiyo – Department of Education Management and Foundations
Maseno University, Kenya
Email: hezruakas@gmail.com

Abstract: Fundamental right to education and training has been well established and recognized within numerous political frameworks across the world. Young people and adults still face difficulties accessing or completing TVET programmes across the world. Systemic inequalities related to course materials, financial endowment, human resource, school infrastructure and teaching practices are examples of barriers affecting access in TVET programmes. Even if a second wave of infections is avoided, global economic activity is expected to fall, with average unemployment increasing considerably. Education is an area in which all governments intervene to fund, direct or regulate the provision of services. This paper focuses on access to financial resources and institutional infrastructure and physical facilities. Methodology adopted includes systematic review of literature from primary and secondary databases and featured articles. The findings shows that there was poor physical facilities; poor funding mechanism; inadequate teaching and learning materials and poor assessment methods. As there is no guarantee that markets will provide equitable access to educational opportunities, government funding of educational services is needed to ensure that education is not beyond the reach of some members of society. This paper concludes that although government funding on tertiary education often fluctuates in response to external shocks, slowdown in economic growth and it may be worse due to current Covid – 19 pandemic. Thus, it was recommended that the government and stakeholders should redouble their effort towards strengthening the process of access to TVET institutions.