How a polytechnic upgrade elevated little known Karugia market

An aerial view of Karugia shopping centre, Murang'a County, the Michuki National Polytechnic is seen with its distinctive blue roofs in the background and the newly commissioned Karugia Economic Stimulus Programme Market under construction in the foreground.

Expectation is palpable in Murang’a County as Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) prepares for its first-ever graduation since being elevated from a Technical Training Institute, a move locals hail as an economic game changer.

Founded in 1956 with simple mud-walled structures, the institution began as a modest village polytechnic. Its fortunes changed dramatically last year when the Cabinet, Kenya's top decision-making body, approved its upgrade, placing it among six technical training institutes selected for national polytechnic status.

An elevation, residents of Kangema Constituency say,  marks a new era not just for the institution, but for the entire Murang’a County.

During an interview in the institution's boardroom, Chief Principal Anne Mbogo paused thoughtfully before posing a rhetorical question: “What is in a name?”

For Michuki, the answer is everything, it is not just a name change. “Apart from changing its name from Michuki Technical Training Institute (MTTI) to Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP), the institution, which is located near Karugia trading centre in Kangema Sub-County, has embarked on a journey of total transformation.”

This evolution, as Chief Principal Mbogo explained, "comes with expanded academic programs and certifications, increased student enrollment and diversity, improved infrastructure and facilities. We have to increase access to 15,000 students, which means an increase of the number of trainers as well. This growth underscores the institution's commitment to serving a wider student body and contributing significantly to the region's development.”

Gazetted as a national polytechnic on February 14 under Legal Notice No. 36 of the TVET Act Cap 210, the institution has since gained full authority to award qualifications and design curricula that respond directly to community and industry needs.

“As a national polytechnic, we can now offer technical degrees in collaboration with universities such as Murang’a University, Dedan Kimathi University, and the Technical University of Kenya,” Mbogo explained. “We also benefit from credit transfer arrangements, meaning  students receive exemptions for equivalent coursework, thereby reducing the duration and cost of completing their degree studies.” 

The newly commissioned Karugia Economic Stimulus Programme Market is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the flow of goods and services, particularly as the region prepares for a significant increase in student population.

"As a National Polytechnic, we now carry a critical mandate, to engage directly with industry and tailor our training programmes to meet real market demands. Our goal is to produce not just graduates, but skilled, market-ready professionals who are fully equipped to enter the workforce and, more importantly, to create jobs and drive innovation within their communities."

The transformation of Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) has sparked a ripple effect that is being felt far beyond its gates. It is visible in livelihoods, local businesses, and the renewed sense of hope within the community.

 Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha

County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said it was a loop of development starked by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training rethinking and refocus, what he calls a snowball effect.

“The linkage between the commissioned Kaihii irrigation project, the market, and the national polytechnic is transforming this once-quiet trading centre into a 24-hour economy,” said Nkanatha. “With the expected intake of 9,000 more students, the population will grow significantly, and with its, demand for goods, services, and consistent food production.”

“My message to the youth, especially Gen Z, is simple: take advantage of the opportunities being offered through TVETs,” Nkanatha added. “Not everyone can go to university, but technical training can be just as empowering.”

George Mwangi, who runs a butchery, shared how student demand has doubled his sales.

“I work in this butchery, and business is booming. The are many students, and as their numbers grow, so does our need to bring in more meat to meet the demand. I previously sold 100 kilograms of meat in a day, but I have to increase the volume accordingly,” Mwangi said.

Rahab Nyambura, 25, who sells boiled eggs, echoed the sentiment. “Business has completely changed. If you come here when the market is open, you will not believe your eyes , the crowds are huge and business is good.

Loreen Gakii, who runs a shop selling clothes and household items, is already preparing for the next student intake. “I am heading to Nairobi next week to restock. We have been told the polytechnic will be admitting more students, which means more customers for us.”