Govt to Release KSh 2 Billion for TVET Training, CS Ogamba Announces at Eldoret National Polytechnic Graduation
“Do not just wait for jobs — create them,” CS Ogamba said.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced that the Treasury will release KSh 2 billion to the Ministry of Education before the end of this week to support the training of students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
Speaking during the 20th Graduation Ceremony of the Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP), the CS said the funds will boost the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access, enhancing quality and aligning TVET programmes with industry needs.
“I am pleased to confirm that the Treasury will release KSh 2 billion before the end of the week to support the training needs of our TVET students,” CS Ogamba told graduates, parents and education stakeholders.
“This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that no young person is denied an opportunity to acquire employable skills due to financial constraints.”
The announcement came as TENP celebrated not just its 20th graduation ceremony but also its historic 40th anniversary, marking four decades of growth, innovation and transformation.
Government Reaffirms Strong Support for TVET Sector
CS Ogamba used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s broader commitment to strengthening technical education, citing investments in infrastructure, staffing and quality assurance across the country.
He noted that the government has allocated KSh 29 billion to the TVET sector in the latest budget cycle, alongside an ambitious plan to increase enrolment to over two million trainees by 2027.
“TVET remains at the heart of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” the CS said. “Our aim is to produce skilled manpower for key sectors including affordable housing, manufacturing, the digital economy and the creative industries.”
He emphasized that Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), modular curricula and industry partnerships would continue shaping Kenya’s future workforce.
“When institutions like Eldoret National Polytechnic work hand-in-hand with employers, graduates do not just catch up — they lead,” he added.
TENP Celebrates Four Decades of Excellence
TENP Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech reflected on the institution’s remarkable journey from a small technical school to one of the country’s most respected polytechnics, attracting learners from all 47 counties.
“Forty years ago, we began with limited facilities and a handful of programmes,” Dr. Koech said.
“Today, we stand tall as a national leader in technical and vocational training. Excellence here is not a slogan — it is a way of life.”
He highlighted expansion in academic programmes, modernized training facilities and a trainer population of over 400 highly skilled professionals.
Strong Industry Linkages Driving Graduate Success
Dr. Koech said that TENP’s progress has been largely shaped by strong collaborations with industry partners such as Rivatex, Boma Inn, Chemelil Sugar Company, St. Luke’s Orthopaedic Hospital, the Uasin Gishu County Government, and international labour placement firms such as HOPS Labour Solutions.
“Because of these partnerships, our graduates leave with practical skills, confidence and job readiness,” he said.
“Some of our trainees have already secured opportunities abroad, especially in agriculture roles in the United Kingdom.”
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Expands Opportunities
TENP celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) candidates—skilled artisans and technicians who acquired competencies through experience but lacked formal certification.
“RPL is one of the most transformative developments in the TVET sector,” Dr. Koech noted. “It promotes inclusivity, flexibility and lifelong learning.”
Graduands Urged to Innovate and Lead
The CS challenged the Class of 2025 to embrace innovation, integrity and entrepreneurship.
“Do not just wait for jobs — create them,” CS Ogamba said.
“Kenya needs your imagination, your initiative and your drive.”
Hubzmedia Celebrates Its Graduates
Hubzmedia also joined the celebrations, congratulating its members who graduated during the ceremony. Those recognized include:
- Job Nyang’acha
- Aziza Muriithi
- Mohammed Hassan
- Gideon Ngeno
- Naomi Cheruiyot
- Ruth Jepchirchir
In a congratulatory message, the media organization said:
“We celebrate our members for their resilience, commitment and passion. Their success is not only personal but a reflection of the values we uphold at Hubzmedia.”
As TENP marks four decades of impact, both government and institutional leaders expressed confidence that the next phase will bring even greater innovation and transformation.
“Let us continue building a nation where every young person has a skill, every skill creates value and every dream has a chance,” CS Ogamba said.
Dr. Koech concluded by reaffirming the institution’s mission:
“With unity, innovation and vision, the next 40 years of Eldoret National Polytechnic will be even more remarkable.”
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