The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of training programmes on access to County Vocational Education and Training institutions in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was informed by the existence of a large number of youths in the County who have not enrolled in CVETIs hence leading to high population of idle youths with low or no relevant employable skills which contributes to increased dependency ratio, high unemployment rates, engagement in drug and substance abuse and other social-evils. The study sought to investigate whether, the career guidance services influence access to County Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Makueni County, Kenya. The study was guided by Human Capital Theory (HCT). The study employed descriptive research design. The study targeted 28 registered Public Vocational institutions in Makueni County. The study used stratified simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques to obtain a random sample of 21 managers, 87 instructors and 316 trainees drawn from 21 randomly selected Vocational institutions. Questionnaires, interview schedule and an observation check list were used to collect data. Data were processed and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics computed using a computer programme (SPSS version 23 computer package). Descriptive statistics were generated and used in describing and discussing the research findings. Statistical tests were done using a T-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% Confidence Interval of the difference (α=0.05). The finding of the study revealed that, vocational training courses have not kept the phase of advancing technology in the industry and they less meet the labour market requirements, hence not attracted prospective trainees who meet the minimum admission requirements. Based on this findings the study recommended that, there is need to re-plan the Vocational Education and Training curriculum in Kenya with the KCSE graduates in mind as opposed to their historical establishment as village youths polytechnics.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) is fundamental to holistic development of children between zeros to eight years old. Thus, teacher professional development is key to enabling children grow and develop in the most appropriate ways. This study examined the extent to which teacher professional qualification in Early Childhood Education influences promotion rates of children in public primary schools in Embu County, Kenya. To achieve this objective the study adopted correlation research design, where stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to sample 39 ECE schools attached to public primary schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 39 public primary headteachers, 39 ECE teachers and 156 public primary teachers Data for this study was collected through the use of questionnaires. An observation schedule checklist and documentary analysis guide for purposes of data triangulation. To check reliability and validity of research instruments, a pilot study was conducted Data from the questionnaire was analyzed through the use descriptive and inferential statistics while data from interviews and documentary analysis guide was analyzed in themes in line with the research objective. Research findings from quantitative data were presented using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics using Pearson Chi-Square Tests. Results showed that there is a positive correlation between teacher professional qualification in ECE and promotion rates in public primary schools ECE (r=.672, n=37, p<.05). The research concluded that there is a positive correlation between teacher professional qualification in ECE and the promotion rates of learners in public primary schools. The study recommended that the Teacher’s Service Commission in collaboration with the County Governments should continue to deploy adequate and qualified primary and ECE teachers to both primary and ECE schools to improve internal efficiency.
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