EFFECT OF INCREASED ENROLMENT ON QUALITY OF TRAINING IN PUBLIC TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Worldwide, countries both developed and developing, experience challenge in provision of quality education. In Kenya, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment has risen sharply following government incentives, raising concerns about the quality of training. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of increased enrolment on the quality of training in selected public TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives to : a) determine the influence of increased trainees enrollment on collaboration between industries and TVET institutions on quality training; b) To evaluate the influence of teaching strategies being utilized amid increased enrolment on the quality of training in public TVET institutions c) determine how utilization of existing infrastructure under condition of increased enrolment affects quality of training in selected public TVET institutions and to evaluate the effect of trainers' performance, amid increased enrolment, on the quality of training in public TVET institutions. The human capital theory anchored the study. The research employed a mixed method design that was based on post-positivism paradigm. The study used a combination of sampling techniques including purposive and stratified sampling to select a study sample of 4 principals, 75 trainers and 1780 trainees for data collection. The study used interview guide for principals and questionnaire for trainers and trainees. Pilot study was conducted at The Kitale National Polytechnic to determine reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Test-retest technique was used to examine reliability. Data analysis for quantitative data was done by use of SPSS version 29 while for the qualitative data the researcher utilized thematic analysis. The researcher sought permission and followed the ethical considerations of research that is confidentiality, free from conflicts of interest, and fair to human subjects Response rates were 100% for principals,77.3% for trainers, and 82.6% for trainees. Findings indicated that a)62.1% of respondents acknowledged existing industry collaborations, though these were strained by increased enrolment and limited resources,

b) 59.4% reported that large classes promoted teacher-centered methods, limiting hands- on skill acquisition)68.7% cited overcrowded workshops and laboratories as a major

barrier to practical training. , d) 71.2% agreed that trainer workload increased reduced instructional quality and feedback timeliness d) Strategies such as class splitting (54.8%) and online learning (32.6%) were adopted but insufficient. The study concluded that increased enrolment has overstretched resources, weakened industry partnerships, overcrowded workshops and classrooms, and overburdened trainers, undermining training quality. It recommends strengthening industry linkages, increasing government capitation, expanding infrastructure, enhancing trainer capacity, and adopting sustainable delivery strategies to safeguard training quality amid rising enrolment.