Building A Strategic Framework for Aquaculture Education in Kenya: Policy Framework for Aquaculture Education in Kenya

Abstract

This policy framework aims to strengthen Kenya’s aquaculture education programmes for improved academic training in Universities and Vocational Aquaculture Training Institutions. The policy framework is anchored on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). It is in line with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of the African Union and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) agenda. The policy framework also resonates with the Africa Union Agenda 2063 blueprint, a master plan for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. The recommendations take into consideration the regional aspiration contained in East Africa Community (EAC) Vision 2050 Agenda, in which Member States aspire to become middle-income countries, Kenya’s Vision 2030 blueprint and Kenya’s “Big 4 Priority agenda” (2017-2022) focusing on food and nutrition security. The framework aims to tackle some of the perennial challenges in the aquaculture educational landscape including; limited knowledge, skills and innovative capacity to operationalize and commercialize technological advancements in fish production such as culture systems, fish breeding and genetics; fish nutrition, health management and post-harvest technologies(1). Specifically, the higher/university and technical vocational education training institutions are currently offering theoretical knowledge with minimal practical “hands-on” skills due to inadequate infrastructure. On the other hand, the advisory by extension service providers is insufficient to promote the adoption of new farming Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs)(2). This policy framework recognizes that educational and vocational training reforms in the aquaculture sector will improve fish husbandry skills, thereby resulting in increased productivity, revenue generation and higher economic growth for sustainable development. This framework includes perspectives from the aquaculture labour market, alumni and extension service providers. Data was gathered via mixed methods using semistructured interviews, site visits and a multi-stakeholder engagement in various Counties in Kenya. Results indicated that employers from both public and private sectors were moderately satisfied with their employees’ knowledge and skills. There was inadequate practical training and capacity-building opportunities for onsite and lifelong learning. The academic staff in universities offering fisheries and aquaculture had PhDs in different areas of specialization but had a high workload leading to low engagement with the industry. This framework will guide the improvement of human capital and provision of adequate skills in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. It will form a key reference document for those involved directly or indirectly in making policy decisions on aquaculture-related educational programs. Similarly, the results will be vital to evaluating interventions, future planning and understanding of the dynamics that influence aquaculture education programmes. To strengthen aquaculture education programmes in Kenya, the following interventions need to be initiated; 1. The National Treasury and line Ministries to allocate adequate funding and resources to universities and TVET institutions for adequate training and demonstration facilities. 2.The Commission for University Education (CUE), Technical and Vocational Training Authority (TVETA), University Funding Board (UFB) and Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to consult with Universities and TVET institutions to periodically review entry subject cluster requirements to enhance student enrolment and financing in aquaculture programmes. 3 Universities and Technical Vocational Education Training Institutions to identify and develop an institutional niche and offer academic programmes aligned to their niche for optimal utilization of resources and facilities. Forging partnerships, collaborations and linkages with relevant Ministry, Industry and funding agencies for resource mobilization, allocation and sharing of human capital, training and research facilities. 4 Review and revision of curricula at tertiary levels to improve youth employability in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030, Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 16-25 and SDG targets. 5 Facilitating extension service providers in terms of transport and equipment, improved training materials and tools, and regular/frequent farm visits to farmers to improve training and service delivery and 6 Collaborating with national, regional and international academic, research institutions, private sector, industry and other stakeholders in sharing human capital and infrastructural facilities to promote innovative aquaculture technologies