A new ultramodern facility, the Gichugu Technical and Vocational College, has been established in Kiambatha village, Kirinyaga County. This institution, constructed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) through the State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), is set to open its doors on August 19, 2024.
As the country marks 100 years of existence of TVET institutions, the residents of Kiambatha celebrate the arrival of this significant development in their region. The college, part of a national initiative to enhance the quality of education at the grassroots level, will focus on mechanical engineering training, making it a pivotal centre for technical education in Central Kenya.
The TVC principal, Joseph Kimemia, announced that registration is currently underway, with expectations to enrol over 400 students initially and expand to a full capacity of 3,000.
President William Ruto is scheduled to officially inaugurate the institution in September, highlighting the government’s commitment to empowering youth through technical education.
“This institution will not only transform this village but the entire central region,” said Kimemia. “We are one of the designated centres for mechanical engineering training, supported by a Ksh100 million government allocation for equipment.”
The new college will also benefit from the 4,840 trainers reskilled under the new Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programme. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to provide every constituency with a TVET institution, shifting perceptions that technical education is for those who have failed in other academic pursuits.
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“We are at a point where TVET learning is no longer an option but a choice,” Kimemia emphasized. “Under this program, we focus not on grades but on what students can practically achieve.”
Local residents are optimistic about the positive changes the college will bring. Rose Wanjiku, a community member, shared plans to convert parts of their tea and coffee plantations into residential housing for students and staff. “This will boost our income and improve our livelihoods,” Wanjiku noted. “We have waited many years for this institution, and now our talented youth will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills.”
Another resident, Mary Njoki, highlighted the economic benefits, including infrastructure improvements. “This college will transform our lifestyle positively,” she said. “When we donated this land, we hoped our youth would one day join others in building the nation.”
Investors have already begun purchasing land to construct rental houses and hostels, anticipating a population increase due to the college.
By Rodgers Wagura
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