Determination of factors which influence enrolment in building construction craft courses: a study of selected technical and vocational education and training institutions in Western Kenya

The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing the enrolment in building construction craft courses (BCCC) in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Western Kenya. TVET institutions offer training opportunities for members of the building industry. The sample consisted of TVET institutions in Western Kenya. Students and lecturers from various departments were selected to participate in the study. The community was selected to participate in the study for triangulation process. Questionnaires, oral interviews, and physical observations were used to collect data. Proportional analysis techniques and statistical chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. The findings show that the enrolment in BCCC was low compared to that in other craft courses including Diploma Building Courses. High costs of training, lack of employment after training and poor advertisement were found to be major factors contributing to low enrolment. In addition, negative attitude and lack of sufficient physical facilities were other factors. To address the current issues, the author offered recommendations, such as subsidizing the cost of training, creating more employment opportunities, changing of course titles and increasing publicity of the courses.

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