The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) showcased a range of innovations and practical skills during the Wajir County Education Exhibition Week, highlighting the role of technical and vocational education in advancing Kenya’s industrial transformation agenda.
The exhibition, held in Wajir County ahead of the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations, brought together technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions from across the country under the national theme “Education, Skills and the Future”.
The event provided a platform for institutions to present innovations developed by students in engineering, technology, agribusiness, manufacturing and related fields, aimed at demonstrating the contribution of skills development to job creation and economic growth.
Speaking during the exhibition, KATTI Chairperson and Principal of Technical Development Training Institute, Eunice Gerritsch, said the association was proud to participate in the forum and showcase innovations developed by students from different parts of the country.
“We are delighted to be in Wajir County, displaying a wide range of innovative projects developed by young people in our institutions. These innovations demonstrate the immense talent and creativity that exist within Kenya’s technical training sector,” said Gerritsch.
She noted that KATTI’s nine regional blocs were represented at the exhibition, with institutions drawn from the North Eastern, Coast, Western, South Rift, Lake Region and other parts of the country participating in the showcase.
Gerritsch said TVET institutions continue to play a key role in equipping young people with practical skills required in the labour market, adding that technical training remains central to addressing youth unemployment and supporting industrial growth.
“As TVET institutions, we are proud to be part of this important conversation on education, skills and the future. We encourage young people to enroll in technical training institutions and acquire practical skills that can transform their lives and contribute to national development,” she said.
She added that training programmes in TVET institutions cover areas such as building and construction, electrical engineering, plumbing, food production, hospitality and manufacturing, which are increasingly in demand in the modern economy.
KATTI National Chairman and Principal of Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College, Shadrack Tonui, commended the Government for selecting Wajir County as the host of the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations, saying the decision reflects the country’s commitment to inclusive development.
He said the exhibition theme aligns with government priorities on skills development and industrialisation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“The theme, ‘Education, Skills and the Future’, comes at a critical time when the Government is placing greater emphasis on equipping young people with the skills needed to drive industrialisation and economic growth,” said Tonui.
He observed that innovations displayed by TVET institutions demonstrate the relevance of technical training in preparing learners for emerging opportunities, including those presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“The innovations and technologies showcased here reflect the quality of skills training taking place in our institutions every day. They align perfectly with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the broader goal of creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands,” he said.
Tonui commended TVET institutions in Wajir County, including Wajir East TVC, Wajir South TVC, Tarbaj TVC and Habaswein TVC, for their efforts in expanding access to technical education in the region.
He further urged parents and students not to overemphasise academic grades at the expense of technical training, noting that skills-based education provides alternative pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
“Let us not be discouraged by examination grades. Skills training has the power to transform lives, create employment opportunities and support Kenya’s journey towards industrialisation,” he said.
The exhibition was officially launched by Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, alongside Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi.
They underscored the importance of aligning education and skills development with Kenya’s economic transformation goals and enhancing youth participation in innovation-driven sectors.
The week-long exhibition brought together institutions, innovators and stakeholders from across the country, showcasing technologies and products aimed at promoting practical learning and innovation in TVET institutions.
Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), established in 1997, serves as the umbrella body for technical training institutions in Kenya, providing a platform for coordination, quality assurance and promotion of innovation in the sector.
It brings together more than 100 member institutions drawn from government agencies, state corporations and private TVET colleges.
As the exhibition concluded, participants reiterated the need for continued investment in education, skills development and innovation as key pillars for achieving Kenya’s long-term development goals, including Vision 2030.
By Hamdi Buthul
