The morning sun rose over Kiharu as students streamed through the gates of Kiharu Technical and Vocational College, their chatter filling the air with energy and ambition. What was once a modest institution had now grown into a bustling hub of opportunity, with enrolment soaring to 1,800 students.
This growth did not happen by chance. The government’s renewed investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was beginning to bear fruit. New workshops stood tall beside older buildings, equipped with modern machines for engineering, carpentry, and ICT. Inside, students worked with focus, guided by instructors who now had better tools and improved facilities.
For many of these young people, Kiharu College represented a second chance. Some had missed out on university placements, while others simply preferred hands-on skills over traditional academic paths. Here, they found purpose—learning trades that could directly translate into jobs or self-employment.
Mary Wanjiku, a plumbing student, smiled as she fixed a pipeline during her practical lesson. “Before this, I didn’t know what I would do,” she said. “Now I have a skill I can use anywhere.”
The government’s expansion of TVET funding aimed to address unemployment by equipping youth with practical skills needed in the job market. More classrooms, improved equipment, and increased intake meant that institutions like Kiharu could accommodate more learners than ever before.
However, challenges remained. Some students worried about job placement after graduation, while others hoped for even more industry partnerships to strengthen their training.
Still, the atmosphere at Kiharu was one of hope. Each student carried a vision—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. As the day unfolded, the sounds of machines, tools, and learning echoed across the campus, a clear sign that something was changing.
In Kiharu, education was no longer just about books. It was about building futures, one skill at a time.
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By Alain Mugisho Nabalinda