Officers from the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education Training have urged young people from Murang’a county to enrol with TVET institutions, even as the government underscores training from classroom-based instruction to hands-on workshop learning.
Speaking during the outreach exercise at Kigumo Technical Training Institute in Murang’a Saturday, a TVET officer, Catherine Ngari, said the department is prioritising practical training to ensure learners graduate with employable, industry-ready skills.
“TVET training is moving from the classroom to the workshop, where learners acquire practical skills that can directly translate into jobs or self-employment,” Ngari said, calling on youth to take advantage of the opportunities available in the technical institutions.
She added that the programme targets four leavers who risk remaining idle at home, noting that the government has invested in modern equipment, workshops and competency-based curricula to align training with labour market needs.
Also addressing the forum, Kigumo Technical Training Institute Principal, Jennifer Gachago, said the government’s commitment to technical education is evident in the growing number of TVET institutions and improved training facilities across the country.
“There are more than 240 TVET institutions nationally and the government continues to strengthen them to ensure learners gain relevant, hands-on skills,” Gachago said.
She encouraged secondary school graduates to choose courses based on their interests and abilities, adding that Kigumo Technical Training Institute offers market-driven courses supported by modern workshops and training machinery.
“We will continue to sensitise young people about the importance of joining TVET institutions. Murang’a County has more than five TVET institutions, which are well equipped and offer learning opportunities to hundreds of young people,” she added.
However, Gachago raised concerns over delays in the release of government capitation funds, observing that the challenge has forced some learners from financially vulnerable backgrounds to temporarily interrupt their studies.
On his part, Assistant County Commissioner for Muthithi Division, Jonathan Wandera, noted that TVET education plays a critical role beyond skills acquisition by keeping young people engaged and away from negative social behaviours.
“When young people are enrolled in training and actively learning a skill, they are occupied and have little time to engage in drug abuse or other criminal activities,” said Wandera, adding that TVET institutions contribute significantly to community safety and social stability.
Students who attended the sensitisation exercise welcomed the initiative, observing that TVET institutions equip them with practical skills that enhance self-reliance and improve their employment prospects.
The sensitisation drive is expected to continue in other parts of Murang’a County, as the government seeks to increase enrolment in technical training institutions and empower more youth with skills.
By Bernard Munyao
