Parliament Calls for Improved Technical Training at ICoT

Government Urged to Enhance Training for Skilled Technicians

Morogoro, March 13, 2025

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure has urged the government to implement significant improvements at the Institute of Construction Technology (ICoT) in Morogoro to meet the growing national demand for skilled technicians and engineering specialists.

Committee Chairperson Selemani Kakoso made the statement on behalf of committee members following an inspection of a four-story academic building under construction at the institution’s headquarters in Morogoro.

Kakoso emphasized that the country heavily relies on ICoT's two main campuses—its headquarters in Morogoro and the Mbeya (Kiwira) campus—for the training of professional technicians. He highlighted the increasing demand for these experts in Tanzania’s rapidly expanding construction sector.

Addressing the Skills Shortage

“We urge the government, relevant ministries, and this institution to focus on producing more technical experts, particularly those whose skills are scarce in our country. Many training institutions established in the past, which used to supply a significant number of technicians, have lost their direction,” Kakoso stated.

He explained that the shortage of skilled personnel is partly due to the shift in focus among existing training institutions. Many have prioritized degree programs over technical education, leading to a decline in the number of qualified technicians available for hands-on construction work.

“This has resulted in many construction projects struggling to find truly skilled professionals, as most graduates are trained for supervisory roles rather than hands-on technical expertise,” he noted.

Kakoso further observed that the trend of pursuing degree-level education has created a situation where graduates consider themselves supervisors rather than technical practitioners, leaving a critical skills gap in the industry.

Government Efforts and Recommendations

Acknowledging the government’s ongoing efforts, Kakoso called on the Ministry of Construction to implement recommendations made by Parliament to ensure sustainable success.

“The committee appreciates the government’s commitment to this crucial project. We urge the responsible ministries to allocate funds promptly for the project’s completion to maximize its intended benefits,” he added.

Kakoso reiterated that the government, ministries, and the institution must work together to develop strategies that enhance the availability of skilled technicians and engineering specialists.

“We have started here in Morogoro, and next year, we expect to focus on expanding the Mbeya (Kiwira) campus. I encourage the Deputy Minister to consider investing in additional infrastructure to ensure long-term planning that facilitates skill development,” Kakoso emphasized.

He also stressed that if the project is well managed and supported by adequate funding from President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, it will not only elevate Tanzania’s construction sector but also enhance the reputation of the ministry and the nation at large.