The State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria officially opened the Kaare Campus of Muraga Technical Training Institute on September 2, marking a significant step in expanding technical education access for Maara Constituency youth. The campus, established with funding from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) under the leadership of Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, has already enrolled 71 trainees within three weeks of its launch. Dr. Muoria highlighted the community’s role in providing land for the institution, emphasizing that local ownership is vital for educational expansion. She also praised Mbiuki for prioritizing technical training proximity to residents, stating the campus’s success would be measured by its impact on youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Muraga Technical Training Institute Principal Ms. Purity Murithi described the commissioning as a milestone for both the institution and the community, urging parents and young people to leverage the available training opportunities. The campus currently offers six courses, with Murithi encouraging undecided youth to enroll, noting the programs’ potential to equip them with marketable skills. However, she acknowledged challenges, including a shortage of trainers and equipment, and cited the principal secretary’s commitment to addressing these issues. Mbiuki reiterated his pledge to secure NG-CDF funding for workshop construction to scale the campus’s capacity, aiming to transform it into a standalone technical institute.
Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki emphasized the campus’s role in providing practical skills training within the community, aligning with broader goals of local economic development. He noted the facility had already attracted 71 students and projected its growth into a fully operational institution. Meanwhile, MP aspirant Nyaga Kinyua, who attended the event, underscored the importance of TVET institutions in fostering youth employability and enterprise. The initiative has drawn praise for its focus on bridging the skills gap, though sustainability hinges on resolving resource constraints and ensuring curriculum relevance to local labor market needs.
The Kaare Campus’s establishment reflects a collaborative effort between government, local leadership, and community stakeholders to address youth unemployment through technical education. While initial enrollment numbers are promising, long-term success will depend on securing adequate funding, training personnel, and aligning programs with regional economic demands. The project underscores the growing emphasis on decentralized technical training as a catalyst for rural development and youth empowerment in Kenya.