Assess Factors Affecting Trainees’ Enrolment in Vocational Training Centres in Kenya: A Case of Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, Turkana County.
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Date
2024-10
Authors
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences
Abstract
This study sought to assess the factors affecting trainees’ enrolment in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Kenya: A case of Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, Turkana County. The following objectives guided the study: establish individual factors that affect trainees' enrollment, investigate community-based factors that affect trainees' enrollment, explore institutional factors that affect trainees’ enrollment, and interrogate policy-related factors that affect trainees' enrolment in Lodwar VTC respectively. A review of the related literature was done informed by the study objectives. The study was guided by enrollment management theory and the economic theory of demand and supply. A descriptive research design was used. The population study included 292 people, which consisted of 259 trainees, 30 trainers, and 3 subordinate staff. The target population was 259 trainees and 30 trainers. The sample size for the study was 78 trainees obtained through simple random sampling. In addition, 9 trainers were added to the student sample size through purposive sampling as they were dimmed knowledgeable about the topic under study. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to obtain data from the respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied in the collection and analysis of data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Ethical considerations were upheld to ensure no harm was done during the process of research. The results obtained from the study guided the drawing of conclusions and recommendations of the study. The analysis of individual-based factors revealed complex motivations influencing enrollment at Vocational Training Centres (VTCs). The highest mean score (M = 4.19, SD = 0.939) indicated that parental influence was the most significant factor driving trainees to enroll in the VTC, followed by family education background (M = 4.05, SD = 0.845) and peer influence (M = 3.88, SD = 1.025). The community-based factors indicated that cultural practices like early marriage affected enrolment, poverty, and negative community perceptions. Institutional-based factors, learning environment (M=4.15) courses offered (M=3.88) were listed as key factors affecting enrolment. Admission and exam policies were cited as the policies that affect enrolment. The study concludes that enrollment in VTCs in Turkana County is influenced by individual factors like individual attitudes, parental influence, and financial constraints, community perceptions, quality of institutional infrastructure & trainers, and policy awareness. Cultural practices, especially early marriages, and economic conditions, also play key roles. Addressing these barriers through improved community outreach, better infrastructure, and flexible policies is essential to boosting enrollment. It is recommended that the county government of Turkana in conjunction with the VTCs establish a robust career guidance and counseling office to support the parents and trainees in the VTCs. The VTCs should carry out continuous marketing and awareness to the community to help with the negative perception and to encourage enrolment. The institution should also review its policies that hinder enrolment. Additionally, the national government should review the education funding model to include the VTCs which are under the county governments.
Description
Master of Arts in Community Development
Keywords
Vocational Training Centres, Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, Turkana County
Citation
Ingati, S. (2024). Assess Factors Affecting Trainees’ Enrolment in Vocational Training Centres in Kenya: A Case of Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, Turkana County. Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences