Msambweni TVET College in Kwale County has recorded an increase in student enrollment due to an extensive outreach campaign promoting technical and vocational education.
Within just two months, the number of students enrolled in the institution soared from 327 to an impressive 782.
Speaking during a press briefing, Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisya described the surge as a monumental step forward in empowering the youth and addressing the high rates of unemployment in Kwale County and beyond.
He said that the campaign focused on raising awareness about the critical role technical and vocational education plays in building sustainable livelihoods and reducing dependency on traditional forms of employment.
“The enrollment growth at Msambweni TVET College is not just a win for the institution but a transformative milestone for our youth,” he said.
Previously, youth shunned the TVETs due to a lack of awareness and misconception about the skills colleges.
One of the major challenges addressed during the campaign was the misconception that TVET colleges are a last resort for students who do not perform well academically.
The campaign, spearheaded by the college in collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders, involved various outreach activities.
They included community barazas, door-to-door sensitization drives, and partnerships with local leaders and influencers to promote the benefits of vocational training.
According to Mutisya, many youths are stepping in to take a diverse range of programs in fields such as automotive engineering, plumbing, fashion and design, electrical installation, and hospitality, which have a direct impact on local industries and the job market.
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“Technical skills are the backbone of our growing economy. The artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs emerging from TVET colleges drive innovation and industrial growth,” he said.
The DCC urged youth unable to proceed to universities and other colleges to know that their lives are not over and that they can still make it through TVETs.
He said the government’s agenda is designed to equip young people with practical knowledge to secure meaningful employment and contribute to national development.
Mutisya said the Affordable Housing Project is one of the flagship initiatives requiring a workforce equipped with diverse technical skills.
He explained that such projects provide an excellent opportunity for youth trained in TVET colleges to apply their expertise and play a critical role in shaping the country’s infrastructure.
“Students who pursue job-specific skills through TVETs should rest assured that their efforts will not be in vain. These skills will open doors to rewarding careers, both in employment and entrepreneurship, allowing them to improve their lives and uplift others in their communities,” he said.
By Omar Shaban
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