The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education has initiated public consultations. Which is on a proposed law. It’s seeking to establish the Technical and Vocational Trainers Service Council (TVTSC).
A body envisioned to manage the affairs of trainers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
Meanwhile, the Technical and Vocational Trainers Service Council Bill, 2025 aims to create an independent council. A modelled along the lines of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
With a specific focus on recruitment, deployment, discipline, welfare. Also on continuous professional development of vocational and technical trainers.
Additionally, the draft Bill seeks to establish a dedicated Technical and Vocational Trainers Service Council (TVTSC). It will oversee the recruitment and deployment of professional development. and welfare of trainers across TVET institutions.
Furthermore, the Council is envisioned as a specialized human resource body. An akin to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). It’s tailored specifically for vocational and technical training.
In a meeting held with stakeholders from the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) . The State Department for TVET, Members of Parliament expressed varies views on the rationale and structure. This including fiscal implications of the proposed Council.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Julius Melly urged the proponents of the Bill to align their proposals with national government functions and avoid duplication of roles with existing institutions such as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
“Operate within your territory. Please amend your submissions to cover national functions. Let’s avoid overlapping with other agencies,” said Hon. Melly.
Dr. David Maina Mwangi, Chairperson of KATTI, and Mr. Frank Mukuna from the State Department on TVET. Led the stakeholders in making the case for the Bill. They argued that trainer management under the Public Service Commission has been slow. Thus bureaucratic, and ill-suited to the fast-paced needs of a skills-based training ecosystem.
“We are implementing a Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework across TVET institutions, and that requires trainers with hands-on skills, not just teaching subjects,” said Mr. Mukuna. “Going back to the TSC model would be a step backwards.”
Lawmakers, however, raised key concerns. Hon. Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) called for amendments to the draft Bill. “Have we picked up lessons from the TSC in dealing with unions and integrating continuous professional development?” he asked.
Hon. Mary Emaase (Teso South) cautioned against potential duplication of functions, questioning: “Are we not usurping the role of TSC? Who will pay these trainers? The national government does not handle HR for devolved units.”
Hon. Christine Ombaka (Siaya) posed a fundamental question: “What would be the biggest challenge if TVET trainers rejoined the TSC? Why create a whole new body?”
However, Hon. Joshua Makilap (Baringo North) backed the Bill, citing his experience during committee visits to technical universities. “Given the numbers we’re dealing with, a Council is a safe and feasible option,” he said.
Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) urged the drafters to refine the Bill to align with national government functions. “Please amend your submissions to avoid duplication. Operate within your territory,” he advised.
The draft Bill is anchored on several legal and policy developments, including a 2018 court ruling that nullified the transfer of TVET teachers from TSC to the Public Service Commission without legislative backing.
Additionally, the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) recommended the establishment of a Trainers Service Council to harmonize schemes of service and streamline trainer management.
If enacted. The Technical and Vocational Trainers Service Council will be a corporate entity. Also will be responsible for developing policies, maintaining a national register of trainers. Furthermore this is going to manage recruitment and deployment. Also overseeing discipline and promoting continuous professional development.
Speaking on public participation, Hon. Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) urged the KATTI to engage trainers nationwide. “Have you heard the voices of your own trainers on this Bill? Their input is vital for this Bill,” he noted.
The Committee Chairperson Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) directed the drafters to fine-tune the Bill. This will ensure it covers national government functions and avoids duplication with other agencies.