The Kenyan government is targeting the enrollment of two million new students into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions by the end of 2026, in a move aimed at equipping school leavers with technical skills and promoting job creation.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the announcement the second graduation ceremony at the Nyandarua National Polytechnic, where over 1,500 students were conferred with certificates and diplomas in various technical disciplines.
“We want to enroll more youth to learn technical skills, and that is why we have set a target of two million students. The government has allocated sufficient funding to support this ambitious expansion,” said CS Ogamba.
Ogamba urged the graduands to use the skills acquired to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“You should not expect to be employed immediately after graduation. Be innovative with the skills you’ve gained and create new jobs. As a government, we are committed to creating a business-friendly environment for your growth,” he emphasized.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who accompanied Ogamba, encouraged the graduates to explore opportunities in the tourism industry, describing it as an underutilized sector with vast potential.
“This sector is the engine of growth—even in my ministry of tourism. Biodiversity hotspots such as Lake Olbolosat and the arboretum in Olkalou town, the only one outside Nairobi, present endless opportunities. We will fully support youth seeking to invest or work in this area,” Miano noted.
Dr. Felix Mung’atu, Chief Principal of Nyandarua National Polytechnic, highlighted the institution’s achievements, noting its strong international collaborations and community-centered innovations.
“We’ve facilitated the placement of a significant number of our students in the UK, Middle East, and Kuwait. We are actively engaged in research and have developed fortified flour to combat malnutrition and a biopesticide to promote sustainable agriculture. We are now seeking partners to help commercialize these innovations,” said Dr. Mung’atu.
Leave a Reply