Technical Training Institutions have been facing gender disparity for years, and KIHBT, with a mandate to build capacity in the infrastructure sector, is no exception. To address this, the EASTRIP initiative was implemented to reduce the gap by sponsoring qualifying females from vulnerable backgrounds in long-term programs within the project’s priority sector.
The sponsored programs include a Diploma in Highway Engineering and a Craft Certificate in Road Construction Technology. The scholarship covers partial tuition and accommodation fees, with representation nationwide, encompassing most counties in Kenya. One of the project’s objectives is to enhance access to TVET programs, a goal the scholarship program aims to achieve by enrolling females in long-term programs within the priority sector.
Moreover, this initiative plays a crucial role in realizing Vision 2030, particularly in the Social Pillar, which focuses on investing in Kenya’s people. The pillar seeks to enhance the quality of life for all Kenyans through various projects and programs in sectors like Education & Training, Health, Water & Sanitation, Environment, Housing & Urbanization, Gender, Youth, Sports, and Culture.
On a global scale, The World Bank Group stands as the largest financier of education in the developing world, committed to supporting countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) by 2030. This goal emphasizes access to inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Focus areas include Skills and Workforce Development and Girls’ Education.
The World Bank also highlights how Gender Bias can influence young women’s choice of study fields, particularly impacting those pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and how Poverty can hinder girls’ access to and completion of their education.
The affirmative action aims to encourage females to enroll in STEM programs and support them throughout their academic journey with various measures, including financial and psychological assistance.
By Betrice Njenga, Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology.
