Murang’a: The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Esther Thaara Muoria, has called on technical institutions nationwide to establish production units within their campuses. This initiative is aimed at strengthening practical training and enhancing the employability of graduates.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr Muoria made these remarks at the First International Conference on Research, Innovation, Science and Technology 2026, hosted at Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP). She emphasized the importance of integrating classroom learning with real-world production processes to equip students with essential industrial skills. The conference gathered stakeholders and TVET institutions from across the country to promote research, innovation, and technology, contributing to sustainable economic development and youth empowerment.
Dr Muoria urged institutions to invest in local manufacturing, highlighting the fact that many goods consumed in the country are imported, despite the technical capacity and knowledge possessed by Kenyan youth. She encouraged young innovators at the conference to collaborate and innovate, reinforcing their value as vital assets to the nation.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing national capacity and competitiveness, Dr Muoria stated that national polytechnics are mandated to regularly hold research conferences to foster innovation ecosystems. She stressed that TVET institutions should not only focus on training but also on generating new ideas through research and turning them into reality, as this is key to industrialization.
Dr Muoria underscored the need for a unified ecosystem between academia and industry, suggesting that industries should be integrated within educational institutions. Such collaboration would ensure that students learn the exact skills required by industries, thereby creating employment opportunities for graduates.
MINAP Chief Principal Ms Ann Mbogo described the conference as a significant milestone in transforming TVET institutions. She noted that the sector is equipping youth to leverage technology for sustainable development and job creation, aiming to bridge gaps in technical training and commercialize innovation prototypes to positively impact local economies.
Ms Mbogo revealed that 12 institutions are participating in skills competitions under the conference framework, with support from 10 industries. Additionally, over 400 industries are partnering with the institution to enhance practical exposure and innovation uptake. She announced plans to implement dual training programs, allowing students to spend half of their training time in institutions and the other half in industries, thereby producing industry-ready graduates.
Naomi Kagone, Chairperson of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Murang’a Chapter, also spoke at the event, pledging the Chamber’s support for TVET institutions through partnerships and market linkages. She emphasized the role of applied research in sustainable economic development and committed to facilitating connections between youth innovators, industries, and entrepreneurs to promote the commercialization of prototypes.
