History made as Mitunguu Technical Training Institute holds first graduation ceremony

It was a crowning moment for Mitunguu Technical Training Institute (MTTI) as it held its first graduation ceremony on Friday in its nine years of existence.

The institution which opened its doors in May 2015 marked the graduation occasion with pomp marking the end of a tumultuous period, which at one time saw the institution nearly collapse due to low enrolment. The institution started with only 8 learners and five teachers and only one was employed by the government.

“In recent past, the institute has witnessed tremendous growth in the trainees’ population which presently stand at 3000,” the institution Principal Ms. Lucy Mukiri Anampiu noted during the graduation ceremony.

937 students who were graduating undertook courses geared towards the production of skilled labor intended to propel the country toward the realization of Vision 2030.

“To support government initiatives, the institute offers hands-on skill training that will spearhead industrial growth and eradicate poverty through wealth creation,” Ms Mukiri added.

The Principal highlighted that her institution has been engaging trainees in research and innovation through trade fairs and robotic exhibitions, sports and recreation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, and culture showcasing.

She, however, noted that due to a lack of adequate funds the school has been facing challenges in the construction of enough training rooms and infrastructure to cater to the expanding number of trainees.

 Ms Mukiri additionally noted that the institution has embraced technology and new management practices in a bid to offer quality training and ensure that learners achieve relevant skills.

The Institution Board of Governors Chairperson Mr Kenneth Gitonga noted that programs offered by technical training institutes such as Mitunguu TTI will bridge the Country’s skills gap as envisioned in the national priorities and the Kenya Vision 2030.

The Institution Chairperson added that the fast-growing institution needs more trainers to cope with the increasing number of students.

Mr Gitonga however, lauded the government for supporting the institution noting that it is among the training institutes producing highly skilled trainees.

Lauding the graduands, the Chairperson called on them to positively use the skills gained to earn a living.

Yetu Sacco CEO Dennis Kirimi called on the graduands to use the professional skills earned to better their lives and afford a decent living.

Mr Kirimi noted that the technical institutes have equipped the youth with practical skills which will enable them to either access gainful employment or self-employment enabling them to be leaders at a young age.

“The sky should be the starting point for you as you graduate, you can become an important person in society. Grab opportunities that are there. Young people can also lead and take great responsibilities,” the Yetu Sacco CEO noted.

In her Speech led in her absence by her representative, the State Department for Technical Vocation Education and Training Principal Secretary Dr Eshter Thaara Muoria said that the government has committed huge resources to improve infrastructural development, equipping institutions, and capacity building of the trainers. She added that this will improve access, relevance, quality, and equity of the TVET programs.

She however called on the Mitunguu Technical Training Institute leaders to develop a fundraising mechanism with stakeholders and industry partners to accomplish the infrastructure projects which are critical in the execution of your mandate.

Lauding Mitunguu Technical for offering diverse academic programs to its students, Ms Muoria called on the institution to implement more Competency-based Education and Training (CBET) programs and work closely with the relevant industries.

Mitunguu Technical Training Institute is situated in Meru County, 32 kilometres from Meru town and 17 kilometres from Nkubu town in the eastern region of Kenya and approximately 235 kilometres northeast of Nairobi.