Preparations are in top gear at Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) in Kangema, Murang’a County, ahead of its official commissioning and first graduation ceremony set for early May.
The institution’s management has confirmed that the commissioning will mark a historic milestone, coinciding with its inaugural graduation as a national polytechnic.
This follows its recent elevation from a technical training institute, a move announced by President William Ruto during his working tour of the region.
The upgrade has breathed new life into Karugia town, with local residents optimistic that the transformation will spur economic growth and development.
The institution is among five technical training institutes recently upgraded to national polytechnics, raising the national total from 23 to 28.
Chief Principal Anne Mbogo says the upgrade comes with immense opportunities for students and the surrounding community.
She noted plans to expand academic programs, enhance research capabilities, generate employment, and support other vocational training institutions in the region.
“This elevation means we now have the authority to design curricula and award qualifications that directly address the needs of our communities and industries,” said Mbogo.
Michuki was gazetted as a national polytechnic on February 14 under Legal Notice No. 36 of the TVET Act Cap 210.
This aligns with the government’s commitment to expand access to technical and vocational education by establishing fully equipped TVET institutions in the remaining 52 constituencies and upgrading strategic ones in various regions to National Polytechnic status.
The goal is to equip more young Kenyans with market-relevant skills, promote innovation and strengthen the country’s technical workforce to drive industrial growth and economic transformation.
The upgrade is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The impact of the transformation is already being felt.
The nearby Karugia Market, a Ksh 55 million Economic Stimulus Programme project, is 80 per cent complete and is set to benefit more than 2,000 local residents, including students at the polytechnic.
During their recent tour of Murang’a, President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki underscored the role of technical and vocational education in building the country’s skilled workforce.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha described the changes as a “development loop” triggered by the rethinking of TVET investment.
“The linkage between the irrigation projects, the new market, and the polytechnic is turning this once-sleepy town into a 24-hour economy,” said Nkanatha.
“With the projected intake of 9,000 new students, we expect significant growth in population, demand for services, and food production.”
National education policy requires that every county have at least one national polytechnic, with each constituency hosting at least one TVET institution.
By Adan Ibrahim
