The Chamasiri TVET Institute, started under the Kenyan government’s Vision 2030 policy, has dramatically grown its student population in just three years. Principal Joseph Okumu said the student count has increased from 500 to over 2800 students, studying 35 different courses.

These range from diploma standard to artisan level. Remarkably, these courses, which primarily require passion, do not require any minimum entry grade. This feature has been a significant draw for individuals wanting to acquire a skill or certificate after dropping out of primary school.

One such individual is Adams Okwiti, who has demonstrated his specialism in welding and fabrication. Okwiti was such an exceptional student that the school invited him back to train others under a Board of Management (BOM) agreement. Okwiti now owns his company and has trained over 47 students, with 26 employed by various companies and 10 having started their businesses.

A fellow student, Mercy Emase, offers a similar success story. After completing her artisan exams in electrical installation, she has already had the opportunity to repair electronics. She even joined a team installing electricity in the school administration block and classrooms.

Teso North MP Oku Kaunya encouraged parents and youngsters to seize the opportunities provided by local technical institutions to obtain the skills necessary to reduce unemployment rates and combat drug abuse.

The community goals include creating a successful model of technical education and self-employment that can mitigate drug abuse and poverty. According to Kaunya, they are already serving as a successful model to other communities.

The TVET initiative has the full support of President Dr. William Ruto, who highlighted TVET as critical for industrial advancement in Kenya. He applauded the innovative work exhibited by students, emphasizing the importance of such innovations for tackling climate change.

President Ruto confirmed the government has hired 2000 TVET teachers and has equipped the institution with necessary tools and gadgets to support the students’ knowledge and skills acquisition.