The Ministry of Education has launched a town campus for the Msambweni Technical and Vocational College in Kwale County, a move aimed at addressing the institution’s growing enrollment, which has surged to over 900 students.
Speaking during the launch, the college principal, Mariam Kimunye, said that the student population has increased dramatically from 203 in September 2024 to 920 in just over a year, necessitating the expansion.
The new campus is strategically located in the heart of Msambweni town along the Mombasa-Lunga-Lunga highway, just a few metres from the main campus.
It will host programs in hospitality, business, and tourism, allowing the main campus to focus on engineering-related courses.
“We have decided to open the town campus to provide more space for the training of engineering courses at the main institution,” said Kimunye.
The main campus specializes in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, ICT, building, and civil engineering.
Kimunye said that the institution previously struggled with limited space, which forced them to adopt a shift-based learning system.
She said the old learning arrangement disrupted the smooth flow of lessons and posed challenges to the effective delivery of quality education.
The principal said that practical sessions, particularly for engineering and technical courses, were often delayed or rushed due to the lack of sufficient workshop space and equipment
Kimunye said the institution’s growth and expansion would now contribute to providing quality, hands-on skills for students in Kwale County and beyond.
Kimunye expressed optimism that the technical college would play a pivotal role in preparing the youth for the job market, especially in industries requiring specialized skills.
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She said that the additional space would ensure that students receive uninterrupted and comprehensive training, enabling them to fully benefit from the institution’s programs.
“The town campus will not only ease congestion but also allow us to optimize our resources,” she said.
Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisya said the expansion aligns with the government’s TVET strategy to enhance access to quality vocational training across the country.
Mutisya said that the program is also part of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, which prioritizes leveraging the digital economy to drive national development.
He said the TVETS play a critical role in equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to the Kenya Kwanza agenda of building a robust digital economy,” said Mutisya. The success of this vision relies heavily on skilled youth who are empowered to harness the opportunities within the digital and technological spaces,”
Mutisya added that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to promote youth empowerment by increasing access to quality technical education, fostering innovation, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
He further said that expanding institutions like Msambweni Technical and Vocational College, the government is addressing the skills gap that has limited the country’s ability to fully exploit the potential of digital transformation.
He said programs such as ICT and engineering offered at the college will play a pivotal role in creating a workforce that meets the demands of modern industries.
“The goal is to create an environment where students can thrive and develop hands-on skills that meet industry standards,” he said.
He also urged young people in Kwale County and neighboring regions to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the institution.
According to him, the focus on hands-on training will enable graduates to secure jobs in high-demand fields or establish their own ventures, contributing to both personal and national development.
Mutisya said through TVETs the government wants to address crime among youth, especially in Diani.
He called on parents to ensure their children enrol on TVETs to transform their lives.
Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisya and other stakeholders launch new TVC campus in Kwale County on Monday, January 13, 2025.
BY SHABAN OMAR
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