The Technical Vocational Education and Training, (TVET) students showcased their creativity and innovation during the Mt. Kenya West TVET Fair 2025 which kicked off on Thursday, September 25, at the Nyeri National Polytechnic, bringing together young innovators and technical trainees from across the region.
The two-day expo, which concludes today Friday, September 26, has attracted 20 registered institutions showcasing a wide range of innovations and technical skills.
The event, held under the theme of fostering creativity and practical skills for national development, serves as a platform for TVET institutions to demonstrate their ingenuity and nurture innovation among trainees.
Winners from the fair will represent the region in the National TVET Fair later this year.
Speaking when he officiated the event, Charles Nyota, the County Director of TVETs, urged trainees and institutions to prioritize originality and avoid repetition of projects previously showcased in past events.
He emphasized that innovation is only meaningful when it addresses real societal challenges and contributes to economic development.
“TVET institutions have the talent, energy, and technical know-how to create solutions that can change our communities. However, for this to happen, we must nurture fresh ideas and move beyond duplication,” Nyota said.
Among the institutions present were Nyeri National Polytechnic, Mathenge Technical Training Institute, Michuki National Polytechnic, Tetu Technical, Gichugu Technical and Vocational College, and Laikipia East TVC, among others.
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Each exhibitor displayed projects ranging from mechanical engineering prototypes, renewable energy solutions, smart agriculture technologies, to innovations in hospitality and fashion design.
Despite the impressive displays, concerns were raised over the limited commercialization of innovations from past TVET fairs. Organizers noted that many promising projects end up shelved after exhibitions, denying students the opportunity to transition their ideas into viable businesses.
Efforts are now underway to bridge this gap by linking top innovations with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and investors who can help scale them to market level. This aligns with the national government’s agenda of positioning TVETs at the center of Kenya’s industrial growth and job creation strategy.
As the fair heads into its final day, excitement continues to build among students, trainers, and guests. The event not only provides a platform for competition but also fosters networking and exchange of ideas among institutions in the Mt. Kenya West region.
The winners, to be announced today, are expected to carry the region’s flag at the national stage, where the best of Kenya’s TVET innovations will be recognized and celebrated.
Trainers echoed the call for commercialization of such projects. “Year after year, we see brilliant ideas that end up gathering dust. If linked with the right partners, these innovations could transform livelihoods.
By Rodgers Wagura
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