Kiambu: Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP) celebrated its 20th graduation ceremony on Friday, honoring 1,714 graduands who completed their studies in various technical fields. This event underscored the institution’s pivotal role in supporting Kenya’s industrialization through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
According to Kenya News Agency, during a speech delivered by Franklin Mukuna, Director of TVET in the State Department of TVET, on behalf of Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), the government emphasized its commitment to promoting practical and industry-relevant skills training. This initiative is a key component of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. “The magnitude of equipping our youth with the right skills cannot be overstated. TVET provides practical and hands-on training that meets the current job market demands and empowers trainees with relevant, sustainable skills,” stated the CS.
KINAP Chief Principal, Sammy Waititu, highlighted the institution’s achievemen
ts, noting its transition to Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) and the successful implementation of dual training programs, notably in industrial mechatronics. “Nations are transformed by innovation, technology, and skilled labor. TVET is at the heart of this transformation,” he remarked.
The theme for this year’s graduation ceremony was ‘TVET: The Master Key for Transformative Skills Towards Kenya’s Industrialization.’ Waititu also announced the institution’s commitment to energy sustainability through the installation of solar systems for student hostels and the expansion of water harvesting capacity to over 1 million liters. Additionally, he mentioned the institution’s vibrant tree nursery, which hosts 45,000 seedlings, and its active role in environmental conservation through tree planting initiatives in Kinare Forest.
CECM of Roads and Public Works, Mwenda Kiara, delivering a speech on behalf of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, urged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship. “White-collar jo
bs are no longer as abundant, but self-employment offers untapped opportunities. By applying your skills, you can contribute to economic growth,” Wamatangi encouraged.
Fredrick Kairu, Chairman of the Governing Council, reiterated the importance of TVET in tackling youth unemployment, fostering innovation, and supporting Kenya’s industrialization objectives. He stressed that the TVET sector is crucial for producing the middle-level human resources necessary for economic growth.
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone for KINAP, as the first cohort of dual training graduates in industrial mechatronics received their certificates, reinforcing the institution’s position as a leader in technical education and innovation.
