Nyeri: Learners at the Tetu Vocational Training College in Nyeri County can now heave a sigh of relief after Senator Wahome Wamatinga led a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of additional classes. The college, which has a population of 1,600 students, had been stretched to the limit due to a lack of ample learning facilities, forcing some learners to make do with makeshift classrooms.
According to Kenya News Agency, the college’s capacity originally only allowed for 100 learners, but the number had jumped to 1,600, straining the institution’s ability to accommodate them. When Wamatinga last visited the institution, he had called for its expansion, noting that the existing facilities were insufficient to meet the growing demand for admissions. Some students were even taking lessons in tents and corridors due to the lack of space.
Wamatinga emphasized the importance of providing a safe and conducive learning environment. “It’s imperative that we provide a safe and conducive space for our youth to thrive,” he stated. “This is a vital step in ensuring our students receive the education they deserve.” The senator’s quick intervention in launching the construction of two classrooms this week could be a turning point in providing additional learning spaces for the students.
He further stated on his Facebook page, “Today, we take a crucial step towards ensuring that our students have access to quality education and modern facilities. There is a need to invest in vocational training centres as this will help in equipping young people with essential skills for the job market.” President Dr. William’s recent promise to assist in building six new classrooms during his tour of Nyeri also offers hope for the institution’s future.
During his visit in April, Wamatinga described the institution’s growth as evidence of the rising demand for technical skills. He praised the college as a beacon of hope for young individuals seeking practical skills that meet job market needs. He also commended the college’s Principal, Ms. Catherine Gikonyo, for her role in enhancing the quality of education offered at the institution. “This institution is making a significant impact on our community by providing quality education and empowering our youth with the skills they need to succeed,” said Wamatinga.
Ms. Gikonyo expressed gratitude for the senator’s visit, emphasizing the college’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the local economy. “We are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education and training, and we are proud of the strides we have made,” she said. The college offers a range of courses, including Cosmetology, Hospitality, Fashion, Building and Civil Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Electrical Engineering, and Agriculture.
When reached for comment, Mount Kenya West Regional Director for Technical and Vocational Educational Training Centre (TVETs), Mr. Charles Nyota, acknowledged the challenge of class scarcity. He attributed it to an increase in admissions following a directive to implement a new modular program, which shortens classroom time from one year to three months. “The reason we are experiencing a surge in the number of learners is because we are implementing a modular system whose objective is to reduce the time taken by learners in class and allow them to move out into the job market,” Nyota explained. Nyeri County has 49 youth polytechnics and three public TVET institutions, including one national polytechnic, Nyeri National Polytechnic, and two technical institutes, Mathenge and Mukurwe-ini.
