The Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba has urged graduates to go forth with confidence into the job market and not simply wait for employment but rather become entrepreneurs, innovators and problem solvers to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
Ogamba was speaking when he presided over the 20th graduation of The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP), Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, that saw 3,619 graduates transition into the job industry, as the institution marked 40 years since its establishment.
“Kenya needs your imagination, your initiative and your drive. Over the years, you devoted yourselves to study, to practice and to master the competencies that will take you into the workplace or into enterprise,” he noted.
The CS affirmed the government’s commitment to equipping the youth with employable skills that meet the demands of both present and future labor markets.
“Through the modular curriculum and the Competency-Based Education and Training and all our other policies including the Recognition of Prior Learning and the dual training policy, we are not only impacting theoretical knowledge but also ensuring that our trainees gain practical hands-on competencies aligned with local and international industry standards,” he said.
He emphasized on reforming the TVET system to strengthen industry engagement and the partnership between TVET institutions and industry through the dual training policy which requires TVETs to partner with industry and all the government projects that are taking place so that trainers become part and parcel of the workforce in those projects.
CS Ogamba explained that when institutions like the Eldoret National Polytechnic work hand-in-hand with employers, their training stays relevant and future ready.
He called upon all TVET institutions across the country to keep on repositioning themselves to deliver quality and relevant training through enhanced partnerships with industries and updating equipment in order to deliver on the curricula to nurture holistic graduates.
“Let us continue building a nation where every young person has a skill and where every skill creates value and where every dream has a chance,” alluded The Education CS.
Ogamba commended the governing council, the Chief Principal, the trainers, the staff and students for steering the institution from a humble technical institution 40 years down the line to its current status as one of Kenya’s premier centers of technical and vocational training.
He lauded the polytechnics’ key role in contributing to Kenya’s technical workforce in terms of artisans, technicians, technologists and innovators who contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech acknowledged the government’s support that has enabled the National Polytechnic to undergo remarkable development over several years in terms of infrastructural expansion, academic diversification, and enhanced training capabilities which have firmly placed it on the national map as a leader in technical and vocational training.
“Our trainee population has grown significantly, now standing at over 18,000 trainees who are committed, over 300 trainers who are committed, highly skilled, and professional, qualified trainers. This impressive growth is a direct result of strong leadership from the Ministry,” said Dr. Koech.
He hinted on the expansion of the departments to accommodate emerging fields in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, applied sciences, computing, and business.
While emphasizing the institution’s dedication to ensuring that graduates remain competitive and employable, Dr. Koech acknowledged the support from Uasin Gishu county government and industry partners like Rivatex East Africa Ltd, Kenya Ordinance Factory Corporation, Chemelil Sugar and others for their close collaboration to strengthen teaching, practical exposure and internships.
“Our curriculum reforms have been driven by robust energy with industry experts, continuous labour market surveys, and strong partnerships with the private sector, government institutions, as well as international agencies. These collaborations have ensured that our courses are consistently aligned to job market requirements,” noted the Chief Principal, TENP.
He said that they have continually strengthened their approaches in training, applied research, innovation, and quality assurance, as well as technology integration by benchmarking regularly with international institutions and adopting global best practices in order to maintain global competitiveness.
“One of our most powerful platforms for academic advancement has been the annual International Research Conference, and this event has grown over the years and now attracts scholars, innovators, and professionals from across the country as well as the international community,” he added.
Dr Koech said the outcomes of these conferences have immensely impacted both industry as well as academia, contributing to innovation, policy, and applied solutions in technology and development of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which is the most transformative development that the tech sector has embraced recently.
He pointed out that RPL has opened doors for skilled individuals, artisans, technicians, as well as professionals who may have gained skills through informal systems, a true testament of the institution’s leadership in promoting inclusivity, flexibility, and lifelong learning.
Dr. Paul Murgor, Governing Council Chairman, TENP, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to offering strategic leadership that positions the Eldoret National Polytechnic as a centre of excellence in technological advancement.
“We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders – government, industry, development partners, staff and parents – to elevate the institution to even greater heights,” he said.
by Ekuwam Sylvester
