In a bold move to enhance the financial sustainability of technical institutions, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Julius Migos Ogamba has called on principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to invest aggressively in commercial, income-generating activities.
The CS made the remarks during a visit to Kiambu National Polytechnic, which he hailed as a trailblazer for its strategic investments.
“The era of TVETs relying solely on exchequer funding is evolving. We must creatively leverage our assets to generate revenue that can support our core mandate of producing a skilled workforce,” CS Ogamba stated. He emphasized that such initiatives would not only boost institutional revenue but also provide students with real-world entrepreneurial and business exposure.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed to the newly constructed state-of-the-art conference facility at Kiambu National Polytechnic as a model of best practice. The facility, he noted, has become a sought-after venue for public gatherings, conferences, and workshops, creating a significant new revenue stream for the institution.
“I commend Chief Principal Sammy Waititu and his entire management for this visionary project. They have looked beyond the classroom and identified a community need that aligns perfectly with their infrastructure and capabilities,” CS Ogamba added.
A Blueprint for Success: The Kiambu Model
Chief Principal Sammy Waititu detailed the success of the facility, underscoring its capacity and impact.
“Our conference facility can host more than 1,500 guests in a day. It is fully equipped with modern amenities, and its booking schedule is a testament to its quality and the gap it has filled in this region,” Waititu explained.
He revealed that the income generated is being channelled back into improving training equipment, student welfare programs, and facility maintenance, creating a virtuous cycle of investment and improvement.
Ministry’s Strategic Push for Self-Reliance
The push for Income Generating Activities (IGAs) is a coordinated strategy by the Ministry of Education, through the State Department for TVET. The goal is to empower institutions to diversify their revenue bases, making them more resilient and financially independent. This financial empowerment is seen as crucial for the institutions to modernise workshops, acquire cutting-edge technology, and respond dynamically to industry needs.
Beyond conference facilities, the Ministry encourages TVETs to explore other ventures such as:
- Commercial Workshops: Offering machining, fabrication, and repair services to the public.
- Agricultural Enterprises: Utilising institutional land for high-value crop farming, dairy, or poultry.
- Food and Hospitality Services: Running restaurants, bakeries, or catering units managed by hospitality students.
- Fashion and Design Units: Taking orders for uniforms, tailoring, and design work.
- ICT and Innovation Hubs: Providing software development, digital marketing, and cybercafé services.
Industry and Stakeholder Reaction
Educational analysts have welcomed this directive, noting that it aligns TVET institutions closer to the “enterprise” model of operation, which is crucial for their long-term viability. “This is practical 21st-century education management. It teaches students by doing, it serves the community, and it funds quality education. It’s a win-win-win,” commented an industry expert from Vocation Hub Kenya.
As the policy gains momentum, all TVET principals are expected to develop and submit viable business plans for income-generating units. The success of pioneers like Kiambu National Polytechnic is set to provide a replicable blueprint for institutions across the country.
This initiative marks a significant shift, positioning Kenya’s TVETs not just as centres of learning, but as vibrant, self-sustaining economic engines within their communities.