Gov't reaffirms push to strengthen TVET as over 3,000 graduate in Bungoma

Speaking on Friday during the institution’s graduation ceremony in Bungoma County, Murkomen said the government is focused on equipping young people with practical skills beyond academic qualifications to enhance employability and productivity.

He said TVET continues to receive strong political backing from the highest levels of government, noting its growing role in addressing youth unemployment.

“It is something that is personal and dear to the Head of State as it is very close to his heart,” he said.

Murkomen urged graduates to adopt discipline, purpose and resilience as they transition into the job market, emphasising that education should also shape character and social responsibility.

“Education is not just about employment; it is about mindset. The hard work you have gone through does not just give you an opportunity to earn a living, it gives you an opportunity to learn skills to live with people,” he said.

Principal Secretary for TVET Esther Muoria challenged the graduates to remain focused and industrious as they begin the next phase of their lives.

“The expectation of you is to go there and prosper. I wish you every success as you step into your next phase. Go out, work hard and be busy, volunteer; God works with busy people,” she said.

The graduation comes as the government intensifies efforts to expand TVET as a strategy to tackle youth unemployment and support economic growth.

According to official data, enrolment in TVET institutions has risen from 297,000 trainees in 2022 to 718,000 in 2025, representing a 142 per cent increase. The expansion has been supported by nationwide awareness campaigns, improved access through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), and increased funding through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

The government has also expanded training capacity by increasing the number of trainers from 6,000 in 2022 to 9,500 in 2025, while the number of national polytechnics has grown from 10 to 30 over the same period.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has previously emphasised the role of TVET in the country’s development agenda, saying the sector is key to building a globally competitive workforce.

“TVET is no longer an alternative; it is the backbone of our economic transformation,” he said.

Kindiki is leading reforms aimed at increasing enrolment to one million trainees by 2026 and two million by 2027, including the construction of vocational training centres in every constituency, recruitment of 5,800 tutors, and implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).

As TVET institutions expand, calls have intensified for some to be elevated to national polytechnic status to further strengthen technical training and innovation.