Technical and vocational education institutions in Kenya have been urged to maximise the use of equipment installed by the government to support production, innovation, and job creation. This call was made by Technical Education PS Esther Mworia during the inaugural graduation ceremony at Gichugu Technical and Vocational College in Kirinyaga. A total of 418 students graduated from the institution.
The government has invested Sh14 billion to equip 70 technical and vocational colleges with modern machinery. However, some institutions are yet to fully utilise the equipment. Mworia urged principals to ensure the machinery is put to productive use, saying government projects could provide a ready market for goods manufactured by the institutions.
The affordable housing programme presents an opportunity for technical institutions to produce construction materials and generate additional income. The Ministry of Housing has asked technical colleges to supply assorted materials, including hinges and locks, for the programme. However, only a few institutions have submitted samples. Mworia said the programme provides a ready opportunity for institutions to produce materials, create jobs, and generate revenue.
Mworia challenged principals to move beyond training students and turn their institutions into centres of production, innovation, and enterprise. She noted that technical skills are increasingly opening opportunities both locally and internationally, with major projects such as the Lamu refinery requiring skilled technical personnel.
The government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Consolidated Bank to support Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad. This will allow them to access loans on favourable terms. Gichugu Technical and Vocational College principal Joseph Kimemia urged industries to create more opportunities for graduates, saying technical training should be closely linked to the labour market.
Kimemia called for programmes to equip graduates with tools so they can establish their own businesses instead of relying solely on formal employment. The government’s investment in modern equipment is expected to strengthen practical training while giving institutions an opportunity to produce goods and services that can generate income and create employment.
The graduation ceremony took place amid concerns over the proposed Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to establish a new framework for tertiary education placement and funding. Youth leaders in Kirinyaga have opposed the proposed loan repayment provisions, particularly the requirement for student loanees to begin repayment within one year of completing their studies.
Key points
- The government has invested Sh14 billion to equip 70 technical and vocational colleges with modern machinery.
- Technical institutions have been urged to produce construction materials for the affordable housing programme.
- The proposed Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, has raised concerns among youth leaders.
