Learners at the Tetu Vocational Training College in Nyeri County can now heave a sigh of relief after Senator Wahome Wamatinga led a ground breaking ceremony for construction of additional classes.
The college which has a population of 1,600 students had been stretched to the limit owing to lack of ample learning facilities which had forced some learners to do with makeshift classrooms.
When the lawmaker last visited the institution he had called for the expansion of the centre saying the college lacked ample learning space to accommodate the large number of learners who were seeking admission.
He had noted that despite the growing number of learners seeking admission at the institution, there was hardly enough space to accommodate them forcing some to take their lessons in tents and even along corridors.
Wamatinga said the institution’s capacity could only admit 100 learners but the number had jumped to 1,600 straining the institutions’ ability to hold that figure.
“It’s imperative that we provide a safe and conducive space for our youth to thrive,” he stated. This is a vital step in ensuring our students receive the education they deserve,” said the MP.
But a quick intervention by the lawmaker in launching the construction of two classrooms this week could mark a turning point in ensuring learners have additional learning spaces.
“Today, we take a crucial step towards ensuring that our students have access to quality education and modern facilities. There is a need to invest in vocational training centres as this will help in equipping young people with essential skills for the job market,” stated the Senator on his Facebook page.
Among those who have promised to come to the aid of the institution include President Dr William’s who promised to assist in putting up six new classrooms during his recent tour of Nyeri.
When Wamatinga visited the center in April this year he described the institution’s growth as a testament to the rising demand for technical skills.
He observed that the college had become a beacon of hope for many young individuals seeking to acquire practical skills that align with the needs of the job market.
He also praised the Principal of the college Ms Catherine Gikonyo, whom he said had played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of education offered at the institution.
“This institution is making a significant impact on our community by providing quality education and empowering our youth with the skills they need to succeed,” said Senator Wamatinga.
On her part Ms Gikonyo expressed her gratitude for the senator’s visit, highlighting the college’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the local economy.
“We are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education and training, and we are proud of the strides we have made,” she said.
The college offers a diverse range of courses, including; Cosmetology, Hospitality, Fashion, Building and Civil Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Electrical Engineering and Agriculture.
When KNA reached Mount Kenya West Regional Director for Technical and Vocational Educational Training Centre (TVETs), Mr. Charles Nyota to comment on the scarcity of classes at the institution, he said he was aware of the challenge.
Nyota however attributed this to an increase in admissions in compliance to a directive requiring such institutions to implement the new modular program which shortens the time spent by learners in class from one year to three months.
He explained that while the number of learners is expected to soar, the flip side is that a bigger number will be graduating after every three months to proceed for their industrial attachment.
“The reason we are experiencing a surge in the number of learners is because we are implementing a modular system whose objective is to reduce the time taken by learners in class and allow them to move out into the job market. We are glad when we see more learners joining our TVET centers since this ensures we have more competent personnel to offer technical skills whenever called upon.” He explained.
Nyeri County has 49 Youth polytechnics and three public TVET institutions.
They include one national polytechnic, Nyeri National Polytechnic and two technical institutes, Mathenge and Mukurwe-ini.
By Samuel Maina
