Some time back, polytechnics were known as “village polytechnics,” and many young people held negative attitudes towards them because they were seen as too local.
But gradually, many young people have come to realise that polytechnics are valuable institutions where they can acquire practical knowledge and skills.
One such youth is Titus Kibet, who began his early education at Chepareria Primary School before proceeding to Chepkorniswo Boys Secondary School in Kipkomo Sub-county.
After completing his Form Four education, Kibet decided to work as a mason’s assistant in building construction, where he gradually gained experience.
Being a sharp, fast learner, he was advised one day after work at a construction site to join the nearest polytechnic to acquire formal certification.
Kapenguria Polytechnic
The advice stayed with him, and he immediately enrolled in a certificate course at Kapenguria Polytechnic.
After one year, he advanced his knowledge at Kitale National Polytechnic, where he pursued an advanced masonry and carpentry course from 2012 to 2014.
Back at construction sites, Kibet began applying his skills and actively seeking work.
Although it took time for people to trust his abilities, his work gradually spoke for itself, enabling him to secure more opportunities as a contractor.
Recently, Education News caught up with him along the Kapenguria–Lodwar road, where he was supervising a construction project with more than 10 workers.
“Masonry work has enabled me to support my family, educate my children in private schools, buy two dairy cows, and acquire four acres of land,” Kibet said.
Currently, he is training about ten youth in masonry skills at various construction sites.
“I urge young people to embrace masonry work because I can testify that it pays,” he emphasised.
By Martin Ruto
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