development of ‘Return to School Guidelines’ are ensuring that schools are able to readmit girls who may have dropped out due to pregnancy or other factors. Access to Further / higher Education 218. One of the key goals of the Kenya Vision 2030 is to ensure that every Kenyan has decent and gainful employment. It is therefore imperative that education is relevant and prepares learners for the job market. To move towards this goal, the Government initiated the construction of 13 new public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country to expand access to TVET. In addition, in order to provide quality and relevant skilled human resources in the post secondary school level cadre, the Ministry of Education established a Centre of Excellence Programme where technical training institutions were provided with modern equipment as well as the upgrading of teaching staff, with a view to producing the best graduates for the market. Under the Economic Stimulus Package of 2009/10 a total of Kshs 2.1 billion was utilised for the construction of new laboratories and workshops in all TVET Institutions under the Ministry. The number of registered public and private TVET institutions has since increased to a total of 813 TVET institutions of which 493 have full registration status as at June 30th 2012. 219. Other measures in this sector include the introduction of a bursary scheme; establishment of standards; and the development of curricula. In regard to standards, the Directorate of Technical Accreditation and Quality Assurance (DTAQA) was established in May, 2008 to discharge the quality assurance and standards functions. This has enabled the Ministry of Education to coordinate and develop technical training through facilitation and supervision of TVET institutions, their registration and approval of programmes. Additionally, a TVET Accreditation Handbook with criteria for assessment of TVET institutions has been developed to protect the quality of education provided in these institutions. 220. With regard to curricula, in 2010/2011 the Ministry prepared a ‘TVET Curriculum Development Standard’ with a view to ensuring that any curricula developed is relevant to the job market thereby making it easier for graduating students to be absorbed in the world of work after graduation. 221. To secure and enhance these gains, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act No. 29 of 2013 was enacted. One of the guiding principles set out under Section 3(1)(b) is the institution of appropriate mechanisms to promote access, equity, quality and relevance in training to ensure adequate human capital for economic, social and political development. 222. Attainment of higher education unleashes huge public benefits that are critical to a developing economy like Kenya. The State recognises the importance of higher education and has made enormous legislative, policy and institutional investments in the sector so that as many students as qualify to enroll in universities have the opportunity to do so. The Universities Act (No 42 of 2012) has set the framework for higher education reforms which includes the incorporation of private universities into the selection body that will in future pick State-funded students to both public and private universities. Further, Adult and Continuing Education are now included in the Basic Education Act (No. 14 of 2013). 223. The Government has also created the necessary supportive environment for private sector investment in higher education and also invested in public universities growth. The sector has witnessed 49