Gichugu TVC holds first graduation as 405 trainees graduate

Gichugu Technical and Vocational College (TVC) in Kirinyaga County has held its first graduation ceremony, with 405 trainees receiving qualifications in a ceremony that highlighted the growing emphasis on practical skills, employment and enterprise in technical training.

Of the 405 graduands, 260 were certified through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a process that enables people who have acquired skills through work and experience to have their competencies assessed and formally recognised.

Speaking during the ceremony, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Dr Esther Muoria urged trainees and other skilled workers to make greater use of TVET institutions to acquire practical skills and formal certification. Muoria also emphasised the need for institutions to use machines and equipment for practical training and production, including making products such as bolts and bushes, while ensuring training responds to actual industry needs. She further encouraged people who have acquired skills through work but lack formal certificates to seek assessment and certification through TVET institutions, noting that trained assessors are available to support the process.

Gichugu TVC Principal Joseph Kimemia said the idea was inspired by the tradition of giving TVET graduates toolkits to enable them to start working or running businesses after graduation. "There was a time back in the 80s when TVET graduands used to be offered a toolkit after graduation, not to go home to look for a job but to go start one. This is what has inspired us to use professional attire for our graduation ceremony," Kimemia said.

The 260 RPL graduates were among the key highlights of the ceremony, demonstrating how workers who gained skills outside formal training can have those competencies assessed and recognised. The approach is part of Kenya's wider efforts to expand Recognition of Prior Learning. In 2025, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) reported that 17 institutions had been accredited as RPL centres.

The first graduation at Gichugu TVC comes as the country continues to place greater emphasis on technical training as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and further education. For the college, the ceremony marked not only the completion of training for the 405 graduands but also a focus on ensuring that the skills acquired in the classroom can translate into practical work and enterprise.