TENP Celebrates 20th Graduation And 40 Years Of Transformation, Calls For Enhanced Support To TVET Sector

By Wasike Elvis 

The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) on Friday hosted one of the most significant events in its history—a ceremony that marked both the 20th Graduation Ceremony and the 40th anniversary of the institution where 3,619 graduated. The event brought together national government officials, county leaders, members of Parliament, industry partners, parents, guardians, alumni, and thousands of exuberant graduands. It was a day filled with nostalgia, pride, and renewed commitment to technical and vocational training in Kenya.

The celebration was presided over by Chief Guest Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education, who was accompanied by senior Ministry of Education officials, including Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Mworia represented by represented by Director Meshack Opwora. Also present were Uasin Gishu Governor H.E. Jonathan Bii, Kesses MP Julius Rutto, members of the TENP Governing Council, and regional leaders who have supported the institution’s growth over the years.

A Journey of Transformation: From Humble Beginnings to National Excellence

In his address, Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech, OGW, reflected on the institution’s remarkable growth over the past four decades. He recalled the early years when TENP operated with only a modest set of buildings, a limited technical curriculum, and a small student population. Today, TENP stands tall as a premier national polytechnic drawing thousands of trainees from every region of Kenya.

Dr. Koech celebrated this transformation as a testament to years of strategic planning, infrastructure development, skilled leadership, and dedicated staff.

“From those modest beginnings,” he said, “we have grown into a national powerhouse of technical and vocational education.”

He noted that TENP now boasts several academic departments, well-equipped workshops, laboratories, digital training platforms, hostels, and modern classrooms. The student body has become increasingly diverse, with trainees representing all 47 counties—an achievement he described as an affirmation of the institution’s national mandate.

Deepening Industry Partnerships for Practical Training

Dr. Koech highlighted that one of the major pillars of TENP’s success has been its robust partnerships with industry. These collaborations play a vital role in ensuring trainees receive hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clear pathway into employment.

He acknowledged longstanding partnerships with Rivatex, the Uasin Gishu County Government, Boma Inn, St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital, Kenya Ordnance Factory, and Chemelil Sugar Company, noting that these institutions regularly engage TENP trainees for internships, attachments, and collaborative training projects.

He also announced the growing success of Mkulima Majuu, a flagship partnership between TENP and the UK-based HOPS Labour Solutions. Through this initiative, agriculture trainees secure employment opportunities in the United Kingdom.

“So far, seventy-eight of our graduates have joined this programme,” he said with pride. “Some have already started working in Britain, and their success is symbolic of TENP’s expanding global reach.”

Research, Innovation, and the Rise of TENP as a Knowledge Hub

The Chief Principal emphasized TENP’s strategic investment in research, innovation, and knowledge creation. Over the years, the institution has hosted the Annual International Research Conference, attracting scholars, innovators, and industry experts from Kenya and beyond. He noted that research outcomes from TENP are increasingly informing industry practice, technology development, and national policies.

He also highlighted TENP’s strong participation in national competitions in robotics, engineering innovation, entrepreneurship showcases, and applied sciences fairs.

Another milestone Dr. Koech celebrated was the institution’s successful implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. TENP has now graduated its second cohort of RPL beneficiaries—skilled workers who have learned their trades informally but lacked formal certification.

“RPL gives dignity to workers,” he said. “It acknowledges their years of practical experience and opens pathways to career progression.”

CS Ogamba: “TVET Is the Lifeblood of Kenya’s Economic Future”

In his keynote address, Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba described TENP as a national asset and a symbol of Kenya’s commitment to equipping youth with relevant skills. He praised the institution for producing artisans, technicians, technologists, and innovators who contribute immensely to national development.

The CS underscored the government’s deep commitment to strengthening the TVET sector. He noted that the Ministry of Education is keenly aware of the evolving global labour market and is therefore reforming the entire TVET system to ensure trainees are equipped with practical, hands-on competencies aligned to industry needs.

Hon. Ogamba highlighted that the government has allocated KSh 29 billion to support training, infrastructure, and learner financing within the TVET sector during the current financial cycle. He said this investment reflects the government’s belief that a skilled youth population is essential to national transformation.

He pointed to government efforts to expand access to TVET by establishing more institutions across the country and ensuring equitable distribution of training opportunities. He also referenced the ambitious national plan to enroll more than two million TVET trainees by 2027, noting that the growing demand for technical skills is shaping Kenya’s future workforce.

The CS also celebrated recent national greening efforts, noting that 218 TVET institutions have been engaged in tree-growing initiatives, resulting in millions of seedlings produced within campuses across the country.

Hon. Ogamba praised the RPL initiative, which has so far certified nearly 1,500 candidates, describing it as a monumental step toward recognizing Kenya’s informal workforce.

He also affirmed that the government is strengthening global partnerships that create opportunities for TVET graduates in international labour markets.

“Institutions like TENP are aligning with international standards,” he said, “and through global alliances, we are opening doors for our young people to compete and excel anywhere in the world.”

To the graduates, Hon. Ogamba issued a heartfelt challenge: “Do not simply wait for employment. Be creators. Innovators. Entrepreneurs. The future belongs to those who dare.”

PS Mworia: “TVET Reform Is Not Cosmetic — It Is Transformational”

Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Mworia, echoed the sentiments of the Cabinet Secretary and commended TENP for consistently raising the bar in training quality, innovation, and co-curricular excellence. She described TENP as a model institution whose achievements resonate across the country.

Dr. Mworia underscored that Kenya’s TVET sector is undergoing profound and bold reforms designed to modernize training and make the system more responsive to industry and global shifts.

She highlighted that the Ministry of Education has successfully rolled out modularized TVET curricula, which offer trainees flexibility to learn, take breaks, and re-enter training without losing credit. This framework also aligns more closely with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) approach, which prioritizes demonstrable skills over theoretical knowledge.

Dr. Mworia elaborated on the Ministry’s adoption of “disruptive leadership” — a forward-thinking approach aimed at anticipating changes in the labour market, revising outdated training programmes, restructuring institutions where necessary, and modernizing training facilities to match global standards.

She also reflected on a benchmark mission to Australia, one of the world’s leading nations in vocational training. The mission informed Kenya’s recent collaborations with institutions such as SIGNET International, with which TENP is already engaging to uplift the quality of its training.

To trainers, Dr. Mworia emphasized the need for professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct, reminding them that their influence shapes the future of Kenya’s workforce.

“To ensure national competitiveness,” she said, “we must commit to excellence in training, assessment, service delivery, and institutional leadership.”

She concluded with a powerful message to graduates: “The world you enter today is dynamic. Continue upgrading your skills, embrace technology, and be bold enough to create your own opportunities.”

Governing Council Calls for Completion of Key Projects and Timely Funding

Representing the Governing Council, Dr. Paul Murgor expressed appreciation for the government’s support but reminded stakeholders of the critical financial gaps that need urgent attention.

He noted that the construction of the Ultramodern Library Complex, one of the institution’s most significant academic projects, had stalled due to delays in government disbursements. The library, he said, is essential for advancing digital literacy, research, and independent study.

He also called for timely release of HELB funding, explaining that late disbursements cause significant challenges for trainees who rely heavily on financial aid to sustain their education.

Dr. Murgor appealed for additional funding to expand training facilities—particularly laboratories, workshops, classrooms, and hostels—to accommodate the rapidly growing student population attracted by the modular curriculum.

He further emphasized the urgency of acquiring specialized equipment, especially for Agricultural Engineering, noting that Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda depends on well-trained and well-equipped graduates.

Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2025

The highlight of the day was the celebration of the Graduating Class of 2025, who were praised for their resilience, diligence, and commitment. Speakers encouraged them to embrace innovation, maintain ethical standards, and remain lifelong learners.

“You have done the hard work,” Dr. Koech told them. “Now step forward confidently and contribute to the growth of this nation.”

A Vision for the Next 40 Years

As the ceremony came to a close, the institution’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the transformation of TVET, emphasizing innovation, professionalism, and global competitiveness.

“With unity, innovation, and vision,” Dr. Koech said, “the next 40 years will be even more remarkable for the Eldoret National Polytechnic.”

The colorful event ended with music, dance, jubilation, and a renewed national commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education as a pillar of Kenya’s future.