Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP) held its 20thgraduation ceremony, Friday, with 1,714 graduands in various technical fields graduating.
The event highlighted the institution’s growing role in advancing Kenya’s industrialization through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
In a speech read on behalf of Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) by Director of TVET in the State Department of TVET, Franklin Mukuna, the CS said the Government is keen on promotion of practical, industry relevant skills training, in order to drive the Kenya’s economic transformation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“The magnitude of equipping our youth with the right skills cannot be overstated. TVET provides practical and hands-on training that meets the current job market demands and empowers trainees with relevant, sustainable skills,” Ogamba said.
KINAP Chief Principal, Sammy Waititu, outlined the Institution’s milestones, saying that the polytechnic has shifted to Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) and also successfully implemented dual training programs, particularly in industrial mechatronics.
“Nations are transformed by innovation, technology and skilled labor. TVET is at the heart of this transformation,” he said.
The theme of this years’ graduation ceremony was “TVET: The Master Key for Transformative Skills Towards Kenya’s Industrialization”.
Waititu announced that the Institution’s energy sustainability with the installation of solar systems to power student hostels and the expansion of water harvesting capacity to over 1 million litres is on.
He at the same time mentioned the Institution’s vibrant tree nursery, which boasts 45,000 seedlings, and its involvement in environmental conservation through tree planting initiatives in Kinare Forest.
CECM of Roads and Public Works, Mwenda Kiara, who delivered Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s speech, challenged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship.
“White-collar jobs are no longer as abundant, but self-employment offers untapped opportunities. By applying your skills, you can contribute to economic growth,” Wamatangi said.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Fredrick Kairu, reinforced the importance of TVET in addressing youth unemployment, promoting innovation and supporting Kenya’s industrialization goals.
He emphasized that the TVET sector is critical to producing the middle-level human resources needed to drive economic growth.
As the first cohort of dual training graduates in industrial mechatronics received their certificates, the event marked a significant milestone for the institution, positioning it as a leader in technical education and innovation.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
