The government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in technical education and skills development to accelerate the expansion of Kenya’s railway network’
The initiative will enlist graduates from the Railway Training Institute (RTI), who are expected to play a central role in delivering the country’s ambitious transport infrastructure projects.
Speaking during the 62nd graduation ceremony of RTI in Nairobi, Principal Secretary (PS) for Transport Mohammed Daghar announced that the government was prioritizing competency-based education to equip young people with practical skills needed in the transport sector.
“The strength of our economy depends on the quality of our workforce. That is why the government continues to invest in competency-based education and training to ensure graduates are equipped with industry-relevant skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurship,” affirmed the PS.
Further, Daghar noted that the graduates were joining the labour market at a time when Kenya was implementing major transport projects, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira and Kisumu to Malaba.
He pointed out that the railway extension forms part of a regional transport corridor that will eventually connect Kenya with Uganda and South Sudan, while another planned railway line linking Lamu to Ethiopia and South Sudan will further expand regional trade.
“These projects will require highly skilled professionals, and you are the people who will build, operate and sustain this railway system,” he told the graduates.
In addition, Daghar disclosed that the government also plans to expand the Railway Training Institute by opening additional campuses to increase access to railway and transport training across the country.
He at the same time praised Kenya Railways management and the Board of Directors for strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, saying the partnership had enhanced service delivery and institutional development.
Earlier, Kenya Railways Managing Director (MD) Philip Mainga highlighted that the graduation ceremony coincided with two significant milestones:130 years of railway development in Kenya and 70 years of excellence at the Railway Training Institute.
Equally, Mainga mentioned that RTI has been instrumental in producing skilled professionals serving in railway operations, engineering, logistics, maritime transport and other sectors both in Kenya and across the region.
“As Kenya Railways continues to modernise and expand its operations, the importance of continuous learning, re-skilling and professional development has never been greater,” he emphasized.
Notably, the MD revealed that Kenya Railways has invested heavily in upgrading RTI’s training facilities, including modern engineering workshops, a new library, digital student management systems, improved security infrastructure and the implementation of the World Bank-supported Kisumu Campus Master Plan.
According to Mainga, the institute’s expansion will strengthen its capacity to produce the skilled workforce required to support the growth of rail, logistics and maritime transport.
He challenged graduates to distinguish themselves through integrity, professionalism and hard work, sharing the story of a former graduate who began his career as a bank teller before rising through the ranks to become the chief executive officer of one of Kenya’s leading commercial banks.
“The difference was not where he started but the commitment he showed every day. Work hard, be dependable and always strive to perform beyond expectations,” he advised.
Mainga urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and innovation, saying the rapidly evolving transport sector would reward professionals who continuously upgrade their skills.
Meanwhile, the graduation ceremony brought together government officials, Kenya Railways Board members, RTI management, parents and guardians to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025/2026, comprised of over 1300 graduands, even as the institution marked seven decades of railway training excellence.
While backing the PS’s sentiments, Railway Training Institute (RTI) Director and Principal Wilberforce Kadima reiterated their commitment to expand to different counties, the latest being Kitui County, challenging graduates to view their qualifications as the beginning of a lifelong learning journey rather than the end of their education.
He observed that today’s workplace is changing rapidly due to advances in technology, digital transformation and innovation, making it necessary for graduates to continuously improve their knowledge and practical skills, while at the same urging parents and form four leavers to take up the advantage in enrolling for technical skills which is driving both national and global economy.
Similarly, Kadima challenged graduands to apply theoretical skills learnt in class work, remain self-driven to catapult their career growth and harness the potential lying in technical skills.
“Uphold integrity, professionalism and discipline in your respective careers, employers are increasingly looking for individuals who combine technical competence with strong ethical values and you can see our country is expanding transport, infrastructure and engineering sectors, so presently there are numerous opportunities for skilled professionals,’’ he reminded graduands
The principal further encouraged the graduands to use their training to contribute to national development while creating employment and innovative solutions within their communities.
As the institution marks 70 years of service, the Principal Director reaffirmed RTI’s commitment to producing highly skilled, competent and globally competitive graduates, ready to support Kenya’s social and economic transformation.
Additionally, he congratulated the graduating class and encouraged them to be ambassadors of excellence, innovation and responsible leadership wherever their careers take them.
By Aron Kinyamasyo
