Graduates across the country have been urged to become builders of solutions rather than spectators of challenges.
This applies regardless of whether they pursue employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, or global labour mobility.
Speaking on Monday during the 14th Graduation Ceremony of the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, reminded the over 1,800 graduands that they leave the institution not only with certificates but also with competencies of national importance.
She emphasised that Kenya now expects professionalism, discipline, innovation, integrity and service from TVET graduates.
“Whether you pursue employment, entrepreneurship, innovation or global labour mobility, let your skills open doors, your character sustain and your integrity define your legacy. Be nice and you will be elevated in every space you enter,” said Dr. Muoria.
The PS commended the RVTTI Board of Governors, management, faculty and staff for their commitment to shaping the hands that will build Kenya’s infrastructure, drive industries, power manufacturing, strengthen healthcare, and support the country’s digital economy.
“Let governance remain firm, standards uncompromising and leadership purposeful,” she added.
Dr. Muoria praised RVTTI for consistently advancing Competency-Based Education and strengthening industry linkages through the Dual Training model, which she said remains essential in bridging the gap between training and employability.
She further underscored the importance of financial sustainability within TVET institutions, noting that a resilient and future-ready sector requires strong Income Generating Units (IGUs).
She recognised RVTTI for establishing seven strategic and operational IGUs that integrate production, training and enterprise, enhancing institutional capacity while building trainee competence.
“Such models not only cushion colleges from financial shocks but also anchor innovation, entrepreneurship and institutional independence at the heart of TVET delivery,” Dr. Muoria stated.
The PS highlighted the ongoing transformation of TVET institutions into hubs for green skills, green jobs and climate resilience.
She said the sector is aligning with Kenya’s green growth agenda through renewable energy, climate-smart construction, sustainable agriculture, green manufacturing and modern waste management initiatives.
Dr. Muoria also revealed that the State Department for TVET was recently recognised at the End-Year Public Service Reflection and Agenda-Setting Forum by the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service.
Additionally, the department ranked second in the national Politrack performance survey and emerged as second runners-up at the FiRe Awards.
“These awards confirm that the TVET reform agenda is not only transformative but credible, transparent and grounded in sound governance.
Your contribution is shaping a disciplined, skilled and globally competitive workforce for Kenya,” she said.
RVTTI Board of Governors Chairman, Prof. David Some, encouraged graduands to be proactive in creating opportunities through innovation and entrepreneurship.
“As you step out into the world, remember that your skills and attitude will determine how far you go. Carry with you the spirit of RVTTI, which is innovation and excellence,” he urged.
He noted that Kenya is intensifying efforts to integrate digital technologies into industry to drive economic growth and strengthen public services.
Prof. Some called on the graduates to leverage digital transformation and emerging technologies to generate jobs and pursue meaningful careers.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor, Evans Kapkea, called on graduands to take advantage of ongoing government flagship projects in the county—including affordable housing, modern markets, Export Processing Zones (EPZs), and County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs)—to explore job opportunities using their hands-on skills and technical knowledge.
Kapkea affirmed the county administration’s continued support for TVET students through industrial attachments and job linkages, noting that skilled graduates are essential to the region’s development.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
