Narok: Hundreds of youths in Narok County and surrounding areas are set to access technical training with ease following the launch of a four-storey hostel block construction at the Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational Training College in Narok East.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sh100 million project is expected to address last year's challenge, where about 400 students missed admission due to inadequate accommodation. Narok East MP Lemanken Aramat presided over the groundbreaking ceremony, describing it as a significant boost to youth training in the region. He highlighted that this is the second major intervention by the President, following a Sh50 million contribution in 2016 that enabled the college to acquire workshop equipment.
The MP, alongside college principal Roda Chemoiwua and Board of Governors chairman Gabriel Tanyasis, handed over the site to the contractor. The hostel project is expected to take one year to complete. The legislator mentioned that the facility is part of a larger package of Sh600 million worth of national government projects in Narok East, which includes road upgrades, bridge construction, and investments in educational infrastructure.
Kenya's labor market data shows that industries such as construction, renewable energy, automotive engineering, ICT, and healthcare are expanding faster than they can attract qualified technicians. This has created high demand for graduates in fields like electrical installation, plumbing, welding, ICT support, mechatronics, and applied sciences. According to education experts, students who pursue technical and science courses often secure employment more quickly than those trained in humanities, as these fields are closely aligned with emerging industries and the government's economic transformation agenda.
TVET graduates also increasingly benefit from competency-based training that equips them with practical skills, enabling them to start their own businesses or access apprenticeships with industry partners. 'The future is in skills-whether in technology, engineering, or applied sciences. These areas are more lucrative and offer better job security,' Mr. Aramat said.
College principal Chemoiwua appealed to the lawmaker to champion efforts to elevate the Maasai Mara TVET to a national polytechnic, noting its rapid growth and strategic importance. She emphasized, 'Every county should have a national polytechnic. Our institution is the largest in the region in both enrollment and infrastructure development. Upgrading it would allow us to expand training opportunities for thousands of youths.'
Maasai Mara TVET institute offers certificate and diploma programs in ICT, hospitality, healthcare, business, and environmental studies, providing hands-on training with progression pathways from certificate to degree levels.