The Government has further strengthened its commitment to enhancing access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by officially opening two new institutions in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The Kerio Valley Technical and Vocational College and Kapcherop Technical Vocational College were launched by His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto, with the presence of the Principal Secretary for TVET, Hon. Esther Thaara Muoria.
The opening of these colleges is part of the Government’s ambitious plan to establish a TVET institution in every constituency across the country, ensuring that young Kenyans have improved access to both technical and digital skills. The new colleges are expected to contribute significantly to meeting the growing demand for skilled labor in the ever-evolving job market.
In addition to the colleges, the President also launched the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VTI) program, branded as Jitume Labs, which will be implemented at both institutions. This cutting-edge initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by offering students access to virtual labs, enabling them to develop advanced technical skills and digital competencies that are crucial for modern-day employment.
Speaking at the launch, President Ruto emphasized the importance of equipping Kenyan youth with skills that are aligned with the global digital transformation. He highlighted the role of TVET institutions in building a more resilient and skilled workforce, which is vital for the country’s economic growth.
"We are making significant investments in education to ensure that every young Kenyan has the opportunity to develop skills that will allow them to thrive in a digital economy. Today marks a major step forward in providing practical, hands-on education that will open doors to better job opportunities and entrepreneurship," President Ruto stated.
Principal Secretary Hon. Esther Thaara Muoria reiterated the Government’s focus on improving technical education, noting that the new institutions will empower youth from the region and beyond with the skills necessary to excel in various industries, from manufacturing to ICT.
The establishment of these new TVET institutions in Elgeyo Marakwet is seen as a milestone in the Government’s broader initiative to establish a nationwide network of TVET colleges, aimed at fostering skills development and creating a workforce that can compete in the global market.