The Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Training (TVETs), Dr Esther Muoria, has confirmed the elevation of Kiini Technical and Vocational College to a fully-fledged institution.
The PS announced that the institution will now be headed by own principal as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen TVET education nationwide.
Speaking at the former Kiini Institute in Maara Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, Muoria said the government is scaling up investment in technical training to equip young Kenyans with globally-competitive skills and unlock international employment opportunities.
She revealed that Kiini Technical College will admit more than 1,000 students next year, following its upgrade and increased capacity.
The PS appealed to the surrounding community to maintain peace and patience, and encourage their children to enroll for technical courses as they were more marketable.
“We must work together as a community so our children can learn, uplift themselves and secure jobs that will put money in their pockets,” she said.
Mworia added that over 200 electrical graduates from TVETs across the country have already been recruited for jobs in Dubai, highlighting growing international demand for Kenyan technical skills.
She noted that President William Ruto is finalizing bilateral labour agreements that will open up more opportunities abroad urging youth to take up relevant technical programmes.
Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who accompanied the PS during the announcement, welcomed the upgrade, saying residents have long pushed for Kiini Institute to attain full college status and operate independently.
Mbiuki emphasized that the upgraded college will be a major driver of development in Maara, noting that TVET institutions have played a key role in skilling youth, reducing unemployment, and supporting economic growth in rural areas.
He said the presence of a fully operational technical college would stimulate local business, create a market for rental houses, and improve the area’s competitiveness by producing job-ready graduates.
He added that the new designation will allow the college to receive direct student placements from January 2026, with learners expected to be deployed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS).
Mbiuki further noted that he will continue supporting the institution through local NG-CDF.
by Dickson Mwiti & Christine Ngitori
