The University of Embu has unveiled a KSh 50.6 million state‑of‑the‑art TVET skills hub, a transformative facility designed to equip students with practical, income‑generating expertise. Funded by the M‑Pesa Foundation, the hub is expected to train more than 1,300 students annually, offering starter toolkits to help graduates launch their ventures immediately after graduation.
Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala underscored the urgent need to bridge the country’s widening technical skills gap. Inyangala challenged universities to rethink their approach to higher education by aggressively forging partnerships that attract investment and deepen technical training, as part of a broader push to equip graduates with hands-on, income-generating skills.
“For many years, Kenya has struggled with a significant shortage of practical technical skills. This deficiency within our institutions of higher learning has made it challenging for graduates to compete effectively in the job market. Universities must seek partners who can bring in transformative projects that empower students not just to secure jobs, but to create their own opportunities,” she said.
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Dr. Inyangala reiterated the government’s resolve to align university education with the realities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She noted that institutions prioritizing technical and entrepreneurial training will continue receiving strong policy and financial backing.
“The job market is shifting rapidly due to innovations such as blockchain and virtual reality. Students must therefore move beyond theoretical learning and embrace critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The government is strengthening industry partnerships and alumni engagement to ease graduates’ transition into employment,” she added.
She applauded the M-Pesa Foundation for financing the facility, describing the investment as a major boost to national development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development agenda.
“This project aligns with our national priorities and advances SDG 4 by promoting inclusive, quality education that nurtures a skilled and future-ready workforce. It ensures that students leave university fully prepared to tackle the demands of today’s economy,” Dr. Inyangala noted.
Representing the foundation, trustee Patricia Ithau pointed to the long-standing disconnect between academic training and labor market demands, which has left many graduates unemployed for years.
“For too long, we have witnessed graduates remain jobless long after completing their studies. The gap between what is taught and what the market requires is evident. That is why the M-Pesa Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Higher Education to close this gap,” she said.Ithau revealed that the foundation plans to replicate the initiative nationwide.
“We intend to move across all counties, collaborating with higher learning institutions to equip students with the resources and skills they need. Our goal is to enable graduates to become entrepreneurs, reducing overreliance on formal employment and encouraging self-employment,” she added.
Embu Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru welcomed the partnership, thanking both the Ministry and the foundation for their commitment to strengthening technical education.
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“We appreciate the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing technical competencies in our universities. With this support, our graduates will leave here ready to employ themselves because they possess the skills necessary to generate their own income,” he said.
Professor Mugendi described the facility as a transformative milestone for the university, which has previously grappled with limited infrastructure for technical programs.
“I sincerely thank the M-Pesa Foundation for this generous investment. The Sh 50.6 million ultra-modern TVET hub marks a turning point in our efforts to close the technical skills gap that has persisted,” he said.
“We are targeting over 1,300 trainees in this facility. Upon completing their courses, they will receive tools of trade to help them establish their own businesses without waiting for formal employment,” Professor Mugendi revealed.
The new hub addresses critical infrastructure shortfalls at the university, the facility houses workshops for phone and computer repair, a barbershop unit, and modern spaces for hairdressing and massage therapy, serving the university’s 9,410 students.
By Brian Malila
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