Mukiria Technical Training Institute has embraced dual training in a bid to enhance graduate employability in the competitive job market.
The institute principal Michael Maina said the college is currently working in collaboration with industry partners to enable trainees to alternate between institutional training and structured workplace learning.
Speaking during Mukiria TTI 3rd graduation ceremony, Maina termed the bold move as revolutionary because it helps trainees to better understand the industry and prepare them for job market.
“To enhance graduate employability, Mukiria Technical Training Institute has embraced dual training under CBET. The Institute is currently implementing dual training in collaboration with industry partners. Dual training is revolutionary and it enables trainees to alternate between institutional training and structured workplace learning.
This helps trainees to better understand the industry and prepare them for the job market. In close collaboration with the industry, the institute conducts a job readiness training once every term,” noted Maina.
The principal emphasized that strategic partnerships remain a key driver of institutional growth.
He said through collaboration with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the Institute received modern plumbing, masonry and carpentry equipment for the Building and Civil Engineering Department, enhancing practical training and alignment with industry standards.
“The Institute also secured Applied Research grant, leading to the establishment of Applied Research Hub. In addition, international benchmarking in Canada strengthened leadership, curriculum delivery and applied research capacity for both trainers and management,” said the principal.
In another game changer initiative, Maina said the Institute has established a Day Care Facility with support from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) as part of their commitment to trainee welfare, gender responsiveness and gender mainstreaming.
He said the facility provides young trainee mothers with peace of mind, enabling them to continue with their training while their children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
“This initiative has significantly contributed to the retention, progression and completion of female trainees, while strengthening the Institute’s efforts to promote gender equity, inclusivity and equal access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training,” said the principal.
He said the institute is committed to quality skills training, innovation, inclusivity and good governance.
Mukiria institute currently has an enrolment of close to 4,000 trainees where 1,946 graduands graduated.
“This growth reflects increased confidence in the TVET sector and the collective efforts of our trainers, parents and partners.
In line with government reforms in TVET, the Institute fully implemented the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum in September 2023 and later transitioned to modular curriculum in May 2025. To facilitate smooth transition to the CBET curriculum, trainers in the institute were trained on CBET curriculum delivery by KSTVET with support from the Government of Kenya through the State Department for TVET,” noted the principal.
He said the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) remains a priority area in their training agenda noting they have taken a deliberate step to implement RPL and has 28 trained RPL practitioners in their ranks.
“The institute mapped out priority areas for RPL and identified areas of interests in both Building & Civil Engineering and Mechanical & Automotive departments. The institute has registered 48 artisans and shall conduct their first RPL assessment in July 2026,” said Maina.
He said further capacity building was achieved through collaboration with Senior Experten Service (SES) of Germany, which enabled the Institute to host an international specialist in Welding and Automotive Technologies.
“The specialist has 25 years of experience with BMW among other companies both in Germany and China in the automotive field. During the three-week engagement, trainers benefited from intensive skills enhancement, strengthening technical competence and instructional practices,” stated the principal.
He said the institute has benefitted through the proposed construction of a 360-bed capacity hostels to enhance accommodation capacity and improve the learning experience and lauded the government for the initiative.
The principal noted that through the Jitume Lab initiative, the Institute received 100 computers from the government, leading to the establishment of a functional digital training facility that supports digital skills training, online learning and participation in digital economy programmes such as Ajira which also benefits the local community in earning income.
“The Institute has further benefited from structured capacity building in advanced digital technologies facilitated by the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
In this regard, the State Department organized a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Huawei-certified courses in Artificial Intelligence and Data Communication, conducted by the Kenya School of TVET. This was followed by an instructor-level training, which further strengthened the technical and pedagogical capacity of the Institute’s trainers.
“Consequently, through an application supported by the State Department for TVET and subsequent approval by Huawei, Mukiria Technical Training Institute successfully established a Huawei ICT Academy. The Academy has enhanced ICT integration and delivery of industry-aligned digital skills, positioning the Institute to offer training in globally competitive ICT competencies,” explained Maina.
He encouraged graduands to carry with them the skills, discipline and values acquired at the institution urging them to be innovative, ethical and resilient and serve as proud ambassadors of the college.
“Let the sky be the lower limit in pursuit of excellence in everything you do. Today is a proud moment for our institution and for our graduands who have successfully completed their training and are now ready to serve the nation and the world. This ceremony affirms our belief that skills, when properly nurtured, transform lives and communities,” remarked the principal.
Mukiria TTI board of governors’ chairman Julius M’Inoti termed the occasion as an important milestone for the institution.
“Today marks not only the successful completion of training through perseverance and commitment by our graduands, but also the fulfilment of a shared responsibility to nurture skills, character and competence for national development.
As a board, we remain firmly committed to providing strategic oversight, sound governance and policy direction to ensure that the institute continues to deliver quality, relevant and market-driven training which are the principles of its core mandate,” said the chairman.
He said through disciplined financial management and institutional savings, they have implemented key infrastructure projects, including the construction of the main gate, installation of cabro paving across the campus and development of a six-storeyed tuition block housing workshops, classrooms and offices.
He however regretted that due to financial constraints, the last phase of the tuition block comprising three floors has remained incomplete since last year.
M’Inoti said the institute is currently constrained by limited land size occupying approximately 2.5 acres, which restricts expansion and limits the ability to fully exploit emerging training, innovation and partnership opportunities.
“In this regard, the board of governors seeks government intervention and support, particularly in infrastructure completion and land expansion, to enable the Institute to respond effectively to growing enrolment, evolving skills demands and national development priorities.
We strongly believe that collaboration remains the cornerstone of success in TVET. The Board continues to support initiatives that strengthen industry linkages, applied research, innovation, dual training and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) ensuring that Mukiria Technical Training Institute remains responsive to the needs of industry and society,” emphasized M’Inoti.
He said the board of governors is also firmly committed to advancing the Greening of TVET as a strategic priority for Mukiria Technical Training Institute.
“The board is currently spearheading the solarization of the entire institute, aimed at reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, lowering operational costs and promoting environmental sustainability. In addition to renewable energy adoption, the Board continues to support other greening initiatives, including sustainable waste management like plastic recycling, environmentally responsible infrastructure development and integration of green practices into training and innovation. These efforts are intended to position Mukiria Technical Training Institute as a model institution in promoting sustainable, climate-responsive skills development,” stated the chairman.
He said together with the management, staff and partners, they remain focused on building an institution that delivers value to trainees and contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
“To our graduands, as you transition into the world of work and enterprise, carry with you the values of integrity, discipline, professionalism and lifelong learning. Be proud ambassadors of Mukiria Technical Training Institute and of the TVET sector. May your skills open doors, your character earn trust and your determination lead you to success,” said the chairman.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Ester Thaara Muoria commended the impressive ongoing beautification initiatives and outstanding student-led innovations at the institute.She singled out the posho mill, chaff cutter and maize dehulling machines; all designed and fabricated by students and trainers, clearly demonstrating the creativity, talent and hands-on competence being nurtured within TVET institutions.
The PS encouraged the graduands to leverage their skills, embrace entrepreneurship and create their own opportunities rather than waiting for formal employment.
She reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates and announced the introduction of micro-credentials aimed at equipping learners with specialized, sector-specific skills to enhance employability and productivity.
