MURANG'A - Michuki Technical Training Institute (MTTI), a longstanding institution providing vocational and technical training since 1956, is poised for elevation to a national polytechnic. This upgrade is aimed at enhancing its educational programs, research capabilities, and its role in the community.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Murang'a, the transition of MTTI to a national polytechnic will broaden its current academic offerings and significantly boost research and employment opportunities. He pledged full support for the necessary investments in infrastructure and faculty development to adapt to the changing demands for skills.
Mary Njugi, representing the Ministry of Education's State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), highlighted that the new Michuki National Polytechnic will serve as a central hub in a cluster model designed to mentor other TVET institutions within the county. "It will also be a qualification-awarding institution, with responsibilities including curriculum development and certification," Njugi added.
The national policy mandates the establishment of at least one national polytechnic in every county and one TVET institution in each constituency, underscoring the importance of accessible vocational education across Kenya. Njugi also encouraged local investments into infrastructure to support the institution’s expansion, anticipating a growth in trainee intake to 10,000.
MTTI Chief Principal Ann Mbogo noted that the institute currently hosts over 5,000 trainees and plans to expand to 8,000 by 2027. Mbogo emphasized the institute's future role in addressing skill gaps and providing lifelong learning and certification to community members with informal skills.
Deputy Governor Stephen Munania, representing Governor Irungu Kang'ata, assured that the county government would back MTTI during its accreditation phase and beyond, recognizing the strategic importance of this elevation for both local and national educational frameworks. He revealed plans for acquiring additional land for the expansion of the institute's facilities and faculties through public participation.
MTTI, which was initially established as a technical high school and underwent several name changes and expansions, has developed significantly from having 1,000 trainees in 2018 to its current size. It also boasts 88 classrooms, 25 workshops, and a staff complement of 186, along with 26 interns. The institute has mentored six other technical training institutes in the region, contributing widely to the vocational training landscape in Kenya.