Msambweni TVET College in Kwale county has recorded an increase in student enrollment, the result of an extensive outreach campaign aimed at 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 (DCC) Josephat Mutisya described the surge as a monumental step forward in empowering the youth and addressing the high rates of unemployment in the county.
DCC Mutisya 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.
Mutisya said equipping students with practical skills is vital in enabling them to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
He said the initiative is a key component of the government’s agenda to reduce unemployment and drive economic growth.
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 a variety of 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, a big number of youth are stepping in to pursue a diverse range of programmes 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.
Mutisya said that vocational education is an essential driver of economic transformation and not a fallback option.
“Technical skills are the backbone of our growing economy. The artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs emerging from TVET colleges are the ones driving innovation and industrial growth,” he said.
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The DCC said that financial constraints should not hinder students from studying since the government pays 70 percent and parents are only required to pay the remaining 30 percent in TVETS.
The local administrator said that the government has also pledged continued support in modernizing equipment and facilities to maintain high standards of training.
Mutisya reassured the youth that the government is committed to supporting them by promoting hands-on skills through technical and vocational training.
He added that the Affordable Housing Project is one of the flagship initiatives requiring a workforce equipped with diverse technical skills.
The DCC 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 choose to 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.
He pointed out that such initiatives are instrumental in reducing dependency on formal employment while fostering innovation and economic growth.
By Shaban Omar
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