A milestone has been achieved in Kiambatha village, Kirinyaga County, with the establishment of the Gichugu Technical and Vocational College (TVC). Constructed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) through the State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), this ultramodern facility is set to open its doors on August 19, 2024. As Kenya commemorates 100 years of TVET institutions, the residents of Kiambatha celebrate this monumental development that promises to elevate the region’s educational standards.
The Gichugu TVC is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education at the grassroots level. It will primarily focus on mechanical engineering training, positioning itself as a pivotal center for technical education in Central Kenya. According to the TVC principal, Joseph Kimemia, registration is currently underway, with an initial target of enrolling over 400 students, eventually expanding to a full capacity of 3,000.
President William Ruto is scheduled to officially inaugurate the institution in September, underscoring 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 centers for mechanical engineering training, supported by a Ksh100 million government allocation for equipment.”
The new college will also benefit from the reskilling of 4,840 trainers under the new Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) program. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to provide every constituency with a TVET institution, aiming to change the perception that technical education is for those who have failed in other academic pursuits. “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, 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.”
Mary Njoki, another resident, 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.
The Gichugu TVC is more than just an educational institution; it is a beacon of hope for the entire region. As Kenya marks a century of TVET institutions, this college stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to providing quality education and creating opportunities for the youth. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on practical skills, Gichugu TVC is poised to become a leading institution in mechanical engineering training.
The local community’s enthusiasm and the government’s support reflect a shared vision for a brighter future. As the doors of Gichugu TVC open on August 19, the village of Kiambatha and the broader Central Kenya region will embark on a new journey of educational excellence and economic prosperity. This institution is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of countless young Kenyans, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
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