Kericho Township Technical College has significantly enhanced its operational capacity following the commissioning of a new 67-seater bus, a strategic investment expected to ease mobility challenges and support the institution’s expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment.
Speaking during the official launch, area Member of Parliament Benjamin Langat underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure that directly supports access to education, noting that mobility remains a critical enabler in the expansion of technical training institutions.
“The commissioning of this bus is a well-considered intervention aimed at addressing mobility challenges that have, for a long time, limited students’ access to training opportunities. As this institution expands, it is essential that we put in place practical solutions that ensure no learner is disadvantaged due to logistical constraints,” said Langat.
The institution’s Principal, Shadrack Tonui, described the acquisition as a landmark achievement that signals the college’s transition into a more robust and well-equipped training institution capable of supporting its growing academic and operational demands.
“This development marks a major milestone in our institutional growth. For years, mobility has remained one of our most pressing challenges, affecting the efficiency of our academic programmes, fieldwork and student engagement. The introduction of this bus will significantly enhance our ability to facilitate learning beyond the classroom,” said Tonui.
He noted that the college’s enrolment currently stands at 4,087 students, a figure that has steadily increased since its establishment in 2013. He projected that the institution is on course to reach and potentially surpass its target of 6,000 students by December 2026, driven by increased demand for technical skills and ongoing government support for TVET programmes.
“Our expansion is deliberate and aligned with the government’s broader agenda of increasing enrolment in TVET institutions. With the infrastructure, training equipment and institutional support currently in place, we are confident of sustaining this upward trajectory,” he added.
Tonui further highlighted the institution’s strong academic performance, revealing that it has achieved a 76 per cent pass rate in both Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) examinations. He said the performance reflects the college’s commitment to quality, competence-based training that equips students with practical and industry-relevant skills.
“This performance is indicative of our focus on delivering relevant, industry-driven training that not only meets national standards but also prepares our trainees for the demands of the labour market,” he said, while encouraging more young people to enrol in technical courses.
Langat commended the college management and Board of Management for what he termed as a prudent and forward-looking investment, noting that the acquisition of the bus demonstrates sound leadership and a commitment to improving student welfare and access to training.
“As a constituency, we remain committed to supporting educational institutions that are making tangible progress in empowering our youth. Already, Sh2.5 million has been disbursed through bursaries to support students in this college, and we will continue to enhance funding to ensure broader access,” he affirmed.
The legislator also announced that the institution has expanded its footprint through the establishment of the Ainamoi Campus and the acquisition of an additional facility that previously served as a diocesan college for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. Plans are also underway to establish another campus in the Chebigen area to further extend access to training opportunities.
In addition, Langat disclosed that discussions are at an advanced stage to introduce short-term, market-oriented courses lasting approximately three months. These programmes will target critical skill areas such as painting, electrical wiring and installation, as well as agribusiness value chains including avocado and coffee processing.
“These programmes are designed to provide practical, hands-on skills within a short duration, enabling young people to transition seamlessly into the job market and contribute meaningfully to economic development,” he noted.
Langat further revealed that consultations are ongoing to acquire an additional bus before the end of the year, with a budgetary allocation of Sh5 million under consideration. The proposed acquisition is intended to cater for increasing demand for transport during academic trips, industrial attachments, and other institutional activities.
Established in 2013, Kericho Township Technical College continues to witness rapid growth in both enrolment and infrastructure. The expansion has prompted plans to increase the institution’s land capacity and upgrade it into a national polytechnic; a move expected to accommodate the growing student population and broaden the scope of training programmes offered.
Stakeholders present during the launch lauded the development as a significant step towards strengthening technical education in the region, noting that improved mobility will not only enhance academic delivery but also expose students to practical learning opportunities beyond the institution.
The college leadership reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of training while expanding access, positioning the institution as a key driver in equipping youth with employable skills in line with national development priorities.
By Gilbert Mutai
