Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to education, saying sustained investment in skills development is key to improving youth employability.
Speaking during the 6th graduation ceremony at Nyeri National Polytechnic, Kahiga said the county has disbursed over Ksh879 million through the Nyeri County Elimu Fund, benefiting more than 156,000 learners, with 30 per cent of the funds allocated to tertiary institutions, including TVET colleges.
“The future of any nation is only as strong as the skills of its people. As someone who began life in the classroom, I have seen firsthand how education transforms lives, builds confidence, and opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. This is why we continue to invest in education at all levels, because we understand that developing human capital is the most sustainable foundation for economic growth and service delivery,” he said.
Kahiga added that the county currently supports about 2,900 trainees across 28 vocational training centres and has invested in modern equipment, workshops and student accommodation to improve training quality.
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On employment, he noted that over 1,400 graduates have benefited from a county internship programme over the past seven years, with plans underway to double annual intake to 400 interns.
He also highlighted partnerships that allow biomedical engineering trainees to train in county hospitals under a dual training model aimed at strengthening practical exposure.
The governor urged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, saying the labour market increasingly rewards practical skills and initiative rather than academic qualifications alone.
“I want to urge our graduands not to wait for jobs to come to you. Use the skills you have acquired here to start something, fix something, or build something. Through the Nyeri
County Elimu Fund and our internship programmes, we are creating pathways for you, but you must also take initiative. The training you have received is not only for employment but for enterprise, you can create jobs, employ others, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our county and country,” he said.
By Special correspondent
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