Construction of a four-storey hostel block at the Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College (MMTVC) in Narok East has begun, marking a major step toward ending the institution’s longstanding accommodation challenges.
The Sh100 million project is expected to significantly improve access to technical training for hundreds of youths in Narok County and neighbouring regions.
The new hostel comes after last year’s admission crisis, in which at least 400 students failed to secure slots due to inadequate boarding facilities.
Presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony, Narok East MP Lemanken Aramat praised the development as “a significant boost to youth training in the region.” He noted that the initiative marks the second primary intervention by the President in support of the college.
“The Head of State contributed Sh50 million in 2016, which enabled the institution to acquire modern workshop equipment. This new project further demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering our youths,” Aramat said.
During the event, the MP—accompanied by college principal Roda Chemoiwua and Board of Governors chairman Gabriel Tanyasis—handed over the construction site to the contractor. The project is expected to be completed within one year.
Aramat added that the hostel forms part of a larger Sh600 million national government investment in Narok East. The package includes road upgrades, bridge construction and expanded educational infrastructure.
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He urged young people to take up technical and science-based courses, saying these fields offer better prospects in the evolving labour market.
“The future is in skills—whether in technology, engineering or applied sciences. These areas are more lucrative and offer better job security,” he said.
Labour market data shows that fast-growing sectors such as construction, renewable energy, automotive engineering, ICT and healthcare are struggling to attract enough qualified technicians. This has created demand for graduates in areas such as electrical installation, plumbing, welding, ICT support, mechatronics, and applied sciences.
Education experts say learners pursuing technical and science programmes often secure employment faster than those in humanities because their skills align with emerging industries and the government’s economic transformation agenda. TVET graduates also benefit from competency-based education that equips them with practical skills suitable for entrepreneurship or industry apprenticeships.
Principal Chemoiwua appealed to the MP to support efforts to elevate the institution to a national polytechnic status.
“Every county should have a national polytechnic. Our institution is the largest in the region in both enrolment and infrastructure development. Upgrading it would allow us to expand training opportunities for thousands of youths,” she said.
Maasai Mara TVET currently offers certificate and diploma programmes in ICT, hospitality, healthcare, business, and environmental studies, with clear pathways for students to progress from certificate to degree levels.
By Kimutai Langat
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