The objectives of the performance contract are drawn from the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic(TTNP) Strategic Plan and anchored on the Kenya Vision 2030, the Medium Term Plan II (MTP II) and the Sector Performance Standards (SPS). The Department is answerable to the Principal and in conjunction with the relevant units is responsible for providing objective performance contracting for staff and Institute’s and make follow-up and monitoring mechanisms for the realization of the performance contracts, including reasons for non-achievement. In line with this, the Institute has ensured that performance targets progressively approach and/or exceed the levels set out in the MTP II and fully aligned to the institute’s budget. The Institute has used the Sector Performance Standards (SPS), as far as possible, for the purpose of benchmarking its key result areas. The performance targets are cascaded to all levels of staff through departmental performance contract and performance appraisal system. Performance Contracting Guidelines issued by the government, provide guidance in the process of implementing Performance Contracts in the Institute with an ultimate objective of ensuring that performance is measured using international best practices and that performance targets are grown to the extent of placing the country on the cutting edge of global competitiveness.

The Department of performance contracting has the following mandate:

• To oversee and manage the Institute’s functions of performance contracting.
• To ensure implementation of the Institute’s strategic plan.
• To maintain a working contact with other Institute’s officers on performance contracting and appraisal matters.
• To represent the Institute’s at national, regional and international fora on performance contracting and appraisal.
• To facilitate preparation, signing and evaluation of performance appraisals.
• To facilitate pre-negotiation, negotiation and vetting of performance targets.
• To facilitate signing of annual performance contracts with the Ministry of Education.
• To facilitate cascading and signing of performance contracts within the Institute.
• To collate, review and submit periodical performance reports to relevant Government agencies.
• To facilitate end of year performance contract evaluation.

The department undertakes the following activities:

• Prepares the Institute’s Performance Contracts
• Coordinates the cascading of Performance Contracts in the Institute.
• Monitors implementation of activities in the Performance Contracts
• Prepares reports of performance to the Ministry of Education
• Conducts self evaluation of Institute’s performance
• Identifies, collects and compiles evidence of performance for evaluation
• Undertakes sensitization of staff on Performance Contracting

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental, international organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.

TTNP started the journey of ISO certification in 2011 by ensuring that all the requirements of ISO certification are met. TTNP was ISO 9001:2008 certified on 23^rd April 2012. Currently, the Polytechnic is ISO 9001:2015 certified after successful recertification processes. The institution is meanwhile working towards being ISO 21001 certified.

 Why ISO

TTNP has benefitted immensely from ISO certification in many ways:

1. Having an operational Quality management system (QMS) which helps in the daily operation of staff in providing services to the customers
2. Training staff as Internal Auditors and Lead Auditors
3. Boosting the overall performance of staff and the institution in general
4. Quality control of the products and services.

Taita Taveta National Polytechnic is situated in Tsavo area 2km away from Voi Town in Taita Taveta County and in proximity to nature, a quiet environment and expansive compound.

The history of Taita Taveta National Polytechnic dates back to 1981 when a group of ten visionary leaders from Taita raised funds to purchase a 42 Acre piece of prime land from African Tourism Development Company Limited for the purpose of starting an institute of technology. It is established in a dynamic education zone in Voi in the coastal mainland, a historic area where the oldest missionary church in Kenya was first built. It is also known to have the first airstrip built in early 1900 in Maktau and used during the second world war in the fight between German and British troops. Situated in the Semi-arid region (ASAL area), the institution has transformed through intensive beautification programme and is attractively nestled in a greeny tree compound in the neighbourhood of Tsavo East National Park.

The Polytechnic has two campuses: Main Campus (which offers regular programmes and holiday classes) and Town Campus (which offers part-time programmes either as evening classes or Saturday classes). The campus offers both residential and off campus training. The Polytechnic offers market driven Diplomas, Craft Certificates, Artisan Certificates and Short courses in both Business and Technical programs.

The Polytechnic has more than 100 competent lecturers to deliver quality and effective teaching. The Polytechnic runs income generating activities to supplement its main source. We engage in Corporate Social Responsibility programs and so far we have undertaken a number of courses that benefit the community. Finally, our Women in Technical Education (WITED) has made us proud in championing for girl rights and access to education. WITED champions organize celebration for the International Day for the girl that attracts participants from all levels of education in the County.

Mission

We aspire to provide relevant high quality education and training in Science and technology for sustainable development

The school life of a trainee is an important and full of life experience. It provides the trainee with an opportunity to develop not only academically, but also socially. CIT has a responsibility as part of the holistic education of its graduates to prepare trainees for eventual entry into the work force or and entrepreneurship.

In addition, it is also the responsibility of CIT to educate the student about the nature of the work force and the trainee’s potential place in it, and how the course of study pursued may eventually affect his/her place in the work force.
The Office of Career services provides immediate assistance one may need to maximize his or her capacity to begin a career.

There is need for strategies towards seamless transition from learning to earning. The Office of Career Services (OCS) has a critical role to play in this regard.
Beyond the academic qualification, one therefore must be well prepared for the workforce by ensuring they are updated on their current career, have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, be self-confident, act as a team player, have excellent communication skills, possess time management abilities, have better problem-solving skills, and generally show commitment towards the success of the organization he/she is expecting to work for (Mishra, 2014).

Strategies set by the Office of Career Services to achieve this include: counseling services, student/industry linkages, apprenticeships, career fairs, recruitments, venture capitals and graduate-tracker services.
We look to empower trainees to make right career choices.