INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON EFFICIENCY IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AT VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN KISII COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Training is a critical process that can assist to shape and determine a country’s social-economic development progress. Research evidences demonstrate that there exists a positive correlation between the skills and competencies of the labour force and the long term growth of productivity of a country’s economy. However, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya continue to face challenges of mitigating gaps in skills development process in order to respond to the changing labour market needs. Specifically, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of stakeholders’ perception on efficiency at skills development at Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions in Kisii County. The study adopted
correlational research design. To collect data, questionnaires were distributed among the managers and instructors at the 17 public VET institutions in the county. In addition, the county education officers and auditors were also interviewed to obtain the critical data. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed for data collection and analysis. The findings showed that majority of the respondents were in agreement that there exists a strong positive relationship between the stakeholders’ perceptions towards VET and the level of efficiency in skills development in the county. The implication of the study findings is that there is need to address the negative stakeholders’ perceptions towards vocational education and training in order to
enhance and strengthen efficiency in skills development. Therefore, unless urgent strategic policy and legal interventions are instituted by the County Government of Kisii to mitigate these negative perceptions, inefficiency in skills development at VET institutions will continue to persist with grave consequences. Hence, poverty, social inequality and unemployment will continue to be a hindrance to the community’s socio-economic development. As result, effective attainment of the Kenya Vision 2030, East Africa Vision 2050, and Sustainable Development Goals target by 2030 will remain a dream.

Key Words: Training, perceptions, skills development, policy and strategy