- KATTI’s Mount Kenya East Chairlady, Lucy Mutembei, has challenged education stakeholders to overhaul their marketing strategies after only 16 students turned out for enrollment at Samburu TTI.
- Mutembei has called on NGAO officers, particularly chiefs and their assistants, to intervene directly to boost TVET enrollment in their jurisdictions.
- She has praised President William Ruto’s role in TVET transformation while urging more youth to register for the Kaazi Majuu programme.
Education stakeholders in Mount Kenya East have been challenged to overhaul their marketing strategies for institutions of higher learning after a sensitisation drive failed to translate into meaningful enrollment numbers, with only 16 students turning out for enrollment at Samburu Technical Training Institute.
The challenge was issued by Ms Lucy Mutembei, Chairlady of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutes (KATTI) for the Mount Kenya East region and Principal of Samburu Technical Training Institute, who said the low turnout occurred despite extensive sensitisation on social media and in other forums. She spoke during a sensitisation forum for TVET institutions and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) held at Meru National Technical Training Institute.
“Our marketing strategy is not bearing fruit as we expected. Unfortunately, some of the youth are going back to the villages where we had picked them. Many are still stuck at home due to lack of knowledge. Recently, only 16 students turned out for enrollment at Samburu TTI despite a lot of sensitisation being done on social media and other forums. That is why I am challenging all the education stakeholders to work harmoniously to enhance enrollment,” said Ms Mutembei.
She said the marketing approach currently used by higher learning institutions is failing to reach a section of youth who remain at home due to lack of information, and called on education stakeholders to adopt strategies that resonate with current demands or risk continued low enrollment figures.
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Ms Mutembei appealed directly to NGAO officers, particularly chiefs and their assistants, to intervene by ensuring enrollment is improved within their areas of jurisdiction, noting that they interact with youth daily and are well placed to reach them.
“This is the right time for chiefs and their assistants to step in and reach out to the youth since they interact with them daily. I urge them to ensure they enrol in the TVET institutions. We have honestly tried very hard in the area of marketing for the last two years. Unfortunately, it has not been good for us. Let NGAO now ensure the youth enrol in the colleges to get the expected benefits,” she said.
She also called on education stakeholders to unite in dialogue aimed at shaping the future of TVET institutions countrywide, stating that improved enrollment would lead to enhanced security, economic development, industrialisation and a transformed youth capable of confidently seeking employment both locally and abroad.
Ms Mutembei lauded President William Ruto for what she described as unprecedented transformation taking shape in TVET institutions, saying he had positioned himself as central to the sector’s progress.
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“I sincerely laud President William Ruto for the progress currently being witnessed in the education sector. Everybody is aware that unprecedented transformation is taking shape in the TVET institutions. President Ruto is the master key of TVET institutions. The question is, where is the ball and who is stopping us from opening the door to enter and enjoy the benefits? That is why we must hold a conversation,” she said.
On employment opportunities abroad, Ms Mutembei urged youth to register for the Kaazi Majuu programme, praising beneficiaries — referred to as “millioneers” — for showcasing their achievements. She, however, expressed regret that only a few youth have applied for the programme.
By John Majau
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