- MP Julius Taitumu has cautioned politicians against introducing petty politics into learning institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- Kaelo TVC has marked its inaugural graduation, with 463 students graduating and 800 newly enrolled during the ongoing nationwide recruitment.
- Taitumu has pledged continued support for the institution’s infrastructure, including a library, perimeter wall and college bus, while urging graduates to become job creators.
Stakeholders have been urged to shun petty politics and fully embrace the growth and expansion of learning institutions by giving priority to education facilities and continuous enrollment of students to enhance academic performance and economic empowerment.
Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu cautioned leaders, particularly politicians planning to vie for electoral seats in the 2027 General Election, against introducing petty politics into learning institutions for selfish political gains, noting that it would adversely affect the academic performance, economic and social standards of an entire community. The MP regretted that such a move could inevitably lead to a noticeable decline in education performance across the constituency.
Speaking during Kaelo Technical and Vocational Training Institute’s inaugural graduation ceremony in Igembe North Constituency, Meru County, the lawmaker said the best way to improve education standards in the area is by fully supporting learning institutions financially and enrolling more learners. He called on all education stakeholders, including the clergy, politicians, parents and teachers, to unite and work harmoniously to enhance academic performance.
“I urge all the education stakeholders to ensure they support the growth of learning institutions in the constituency by helping improve their infrastructure development and enrollment of students to enhance academic performance and economic status. Leaders should desist from introducing petty politics in learning institutions. Such a move could inevitably lead to a drastic decline in education performance in the entire constituency,” Taitumu said.
The MP lauded the institution for holding a historic inaugural graduation ceremony, noting that a record 463 students graduated, while 800 students were enrolled during the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.
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He challenged the graduands to become job creators instead of waiting for employment on a silver platter, noting that with the skills gained, they could easily recruit locals into their enterprises. “I advise trainees to use the skills they have attained at Kaelo TVC to start businesses, solve problems, provide services and create employment for others,” he said.
Taitumu called on the National Government, development partners and the private sector to continue supporting Kaelo TVC, insisting that the growth of the institution is an investment in the future and economic fortunes of Igembe North. “I am extremely excited to grace this historic occasion. The institution has made great strides since its inception. I urge residents to embrace the institution since it is a national institution which is helpful to the residents and the entire country,” he said.
He assured education stakeholders that he remains committed to ensuring that young people in Igembe North have access to quality education, technical skills and opportunities for economic empowerment. “We have already made important progress at Kaelo TVC. The construction of the perimeter wall, support towards the Sh35 million library and the commitment towards a college bus are part of our broader efforts to strengthen this institution,” he said.
The MP promised to continue supporting the development of education facilities to provide a conducive learning environment and expand opportunities for trainees. “My vision is to see Kaelo TVC become a Centre of Excellence in technical skills, mechanical production, automotive technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Parents should not think this certificate is useless. It will transform you into an employer and innovator,” he said.
Taitumu described Kaelo TVC as a “gold mine” with booming business opportunities, including locally purchased machines, rental houses, cyber cafes, shops, hotels, boda boda operators and a market for farm produce, among other investments. He said the machines at the institution are the best countrywide, urging learners to make full use of them rather than let them lie idle. “Change the perception that tertiary colleges are meant for those who fail to join universities and embrace them. Ensure skills translate to economic transformation. Don’t wait for employment but create them yourself,” he said.
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He said the certificate earned at the institution is not the end of the academic journey but a tool that should enable learners to create opportunities, earn a livelihood and contribute to the development of their community. He lauded the Board of Management and staff for their outstanding commitment, adding that parents and guardians also deserved recognition for deliberately investing in the youth.
“Today we celebrate our first graduands. Tomorrow, let us build an institution that will transform the lives and economic fortunes of generations of young people in Igembe North,” Taitumu said, pledging to work towards elevating Kaelo TVC to a Centre of Academic Excellence. He added that the Mechanical Production and Automotive facilities, including the Kaelo Main Garage and the Maua and Laare Centres, should not only train students but also become centres of production and enterprise.
By John Majau
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