Renewed Vision Propels Kisiwa Polytechnic to New Heights

By Godfrey Wamalwa 

On a busy morning at Kisiwa Polytechnic in Bungoma County, the hum of welding machines, hammers striking timber, and students engrossed in circuit diagrams paints a vivid picture of an institution on the rise. Behind this transformation is a story of leadership and vision, one that has inspired staff, students, and the wider community since Chief Principal Emmanuel Wamalwa took over just over a year ago.

When Wamalwa assumed office, Kisiwa Polytechnic was functioning as a modest training centre, striving to meet the needs of learners in a competitive environment. Within months, he set out a bold vision: to reposition the polytechnic as a hub of excellence for technical and vocational education, producing graduates with practical skills ready for the labour market.

“I wanted an institution where every student can leave with a skill, a certificate, and confidence to create their own future,” said a staff member who has worked closely with Wamalwa.

Under his leadership, the polytechnic has embraced competency-based training, transforming traditional classrooms and workshops into spaces where theory meets practice. Students now spend long hours mastering tasks in electrical installation, plumbing, building construction, ICT, fashion design, and agribusiness. Trainers say the renewed approach has boosted student confidence and employability, with many already applying their skills in real-world settings.

Wamalwa’s vision extends beyond training; it emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity. Through affordable fees and collaboration with government bursary and capitation programmes, the institution now reaches students from humble backgrounds, offering opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach.

Community engagement is another hallmark of his leadership. Students regularly participate in outreach projects, including electrical installations, building repairs, and public facility maintenance. These initiatives not only provide hands-on experience but also strengthen the institution’s relationship with the surrounding community, turning Kisiwa Polytechnic into a beacon of local development.

The impact of Wamalwa’s leadership is visible inside the institution. Staff morale has improved, classrooms and workshops are better utilized, and a culture of discipline and professionalism now permeates the campus. Students describe an environment that challenges them to innovate, take responsibility, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Education stakeholders say the timing of these changes is critical. Bungoma County faces high youth unemployment, and the demand for skilled labour in construction, agriculture, and small-scale industries is growing. Institutions like Kisiwa Polytechnic, guided by strong leadership and a clear vision, are vital in equipping the next generation with the skills to thrive.

As the sun sets over the polytechnic, students pack their tools, many already imagining their futures as artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs. In just over a year, Chief Principal Emmanuel Wamalwa has not only inspired a renewed sense of purpose at Kisiwa Polytechnic but has also set the institution on a path where skills, opportunity, and development go hand in hand.