EMBU, Kenya- Universities across Kenya have been urged to aggressively pursue partnerships that attract investment and strengthen technical training, in a national effort to equip graduates with practical, job-ready skills.
Speaking during the handover of a Sh50.6 million ultra-modern TVET facility at the University of Embu, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Muganda Inyangala stressed that collaboration is essential to closing the country’s technical skills gap.
“For a long time, Kenya has experienced a huge gap in matters of technical skills. The lack of such skills in institutions of higher learning has made it difficult for most graduates to manoeuvre in the job market. I call upon universities to identify partners that can bring projects that will help students not only manoeuvre the job market but also create their own jobs,” she said.
Dr. Inyangala reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning education with the demands of the fourth industrial revolution, noting that institutions embracing technical training will receive strong support.
“The job market is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements like blockchain and virtual reality. This requires students to move beyond memorization towards critical thinking and entrepreneurship. In this regard, the government is working to strengthen industry linkages and alumni networks to help graduates transition smoothly into the workplace,” she added.
She commended the M-Pesa Foundation for funding the facility, saying the initiative supports national priorities and global education goals set by the United Nations.
“This investment aligns well with national goals and supports SDG 4 by providing inclusive and equitable quality education to foster a skilled, future-ready workforce. It will ensure students leave university refined and ready to face the job market,” Dr. Inyangala said.
Representing the foundation, trustee Patricia Ithau highlighted the disconnect between education and employment that leaves many young graduates jobless.
“For a long time, we have seen graduates staying for many years without jobs after graduating. This is because there is a missing link between the education system and the current job market. For this reason, the M-Pesa Foundation has decided to partner with the Ministry of Higher Education to bridge that gap,” Ithau said.
“We shall go through every county in Kenya, partnering with institutions of higher learning to provide the necessary resources to students so that after graduating they can start their own businesses. This way they can stop relying on employers and become their own employers.”
Vice Chancellor Daniel Mugendi Njiru welcomed the collaboration and thanked both the Ministry and the foundation for supporting technical education.
“I thank the Ministry of Higher Education for its commitment to enhancing technical skills in institutions of higher learning. Through its support, students who graduate from universities can directly employ themselves because they already have the skills to create their own jobs,” he said.
Professor Mugendi said the new facility marks a major milestone for the university, which has faced infrastructure challenges in expanding technical programs.
“I want to thank the M-Pesa Foundation for this noble act. The Sh50.6 million ultra-modern TVET facility is a significant milestone that will enable the university to bridge the technical skills gap that has existed,” he said.
He revealed that the center aims to enroll more than 1,300 students, who will graduate with both skills and starter tools for entrepreneurship.
“We are targeting about 1,300 students in this center. After their training, they will be given their own tools of trade so they can start their businesses without waiting to be employed,” Professor Mugendi said.
Completed after a year of construction, the new hub addresses key infrastructure gaps at the university. It features specialized workshops for phone and computer repair, a barbershop training hall, and modern facilities for hairdressing and massage therapy.
Designed to serve the institution’s 9,410 students, the center provides hands-on, market-driven training aimed at producing a skilled, future-ready workforce.
