PS Chris Kiptoo Officiates Groundbreaking of TVET Institute at Co-operative University’s Ainabkoi Campus

Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, on Friday officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute at the Ainabkoi Campus of the Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) in Ainabkoi Constituency, Uasin Gishu County.

The new institute is expected to expand access to technical education and practical skills training for young people in the region, while supporting the growth of cooperative enterprises and agribusiness value chains.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Kiptoo said the Government is committed to expanding access to technical education and skills development as cooperatives continue to transform communities by expanding economic opportunities and strengthening livelihoods across the country.

He noted that the development of the TVET institute reflects the government’s broader strategy to invest in education systems that equip young people with relevant and market-driven skills.

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training remains a critical pillar in our national development agenda. Through TVET institutions, we are equipping young people with practical knowledge and competencies that enable them to create jobs, support innovation and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” said Dr. Kiptoo.

The Principal Secretary emphasized that the Government will continue to prioritise TVET programmes to empower youth with practical expertise in areas such as agribusiness, cooperative management, entrepreneurship and value addition.

According to Dr. Kiptoo, these skills are vital in strengthening the cooperative movement and unlocking new opportunities within Kenya’s agricultural value chains, particularly in counties with strong agricultural potential such as Uasin Gishu.

He said cooperatives have historically played a central role in improving the livelihoods of farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs, and strengthening technical training will help young people tap into these opportunities more effectively.

“Cooperatives remain a powerful vehicle for economic transformation in our country. By combining cooperative development with technical skills training, we can empower communities to increase productivity, add value to their products and access broader markets,” he added.

The Ainabkoi TVET institute will provide training programmes aimed at preparing students for careers in agribusiness, cooperative management, value addition and other technical fields that support local economic development.

Dr. Kiptoo noted that the government is keen on ensuring that young people are equipped with practical skills that align with the needs of the modern economy and emerging industries.

He added that expanding technical education will help bridge the gap between academic training and the practical skills required in the job market.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together leaders, education stakeholders and members of the local community who welcomed the establishment of the institute, describing it as a major milestone in expanding higher learning opportunities in the region.

The event was hosted by the Member of Parliament for Ainabkoi Constituency, Hon. Samuel Chepkong’a, who lauded the project and noted that it will significantly benefit youth in the constituency and surrounding areas.

Also present was Kesses MP Hon. Julius Rutto, who emphasized the importance of strengthening technical training institutions in order to empower young people with employable skills and encourage entrepreneurship.

The Vice Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya, Prof. Kamau Ngamau, said the new institute will play an important role in advancing the university’s mission of promoting cooperative development through research, training and innovation.

Prof. Ngamau noted that the Ainabkoi Campus will provide a strategic platform for expanding TVET programmes that respond to the needs of communities, cooperatives and industries across the region.

Local leaders and stakeholders welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the institute will help nurture skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth of cooperatives, agribusiness enterprises and other sectors of the economy.

Once completed, the TVET institute is expected to serve students from Ainabkoi Constituency and neighbouring areas, offering practical training programmes that support employment creation, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.

The project forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the TVET sector and ensure that young people across the country have access to quality, affordable and industry-relevant technical education.