Msambweni TVET College Realizes 100 per cent Growth in Student Numbers
Msambweni Technical Vocational College. (Photo By Caroline Katana)
By Caroline Katana
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Student enrollment at Msambweni Technical and Vocational College (TVC) in Kwale County has doubled to 1,600 this year.
The gender ratio of the population is 57 per cent male and 43 per cent female — a notable shift from previous years.
The rise is credited to the the school and government efforts in promoting technical education in the community as a path to employment and self-reliance.
Nationally, the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) program, introduced by Kenya’s Ministry of Education, has expanded robustly with over 238 TVET institutions established to equip young people with hands-on, market-driven skills.
Msambweni TVC offers a range of courses including engineering, tourism, business, fashion and design .
Msambweni TVC Principal Maria Kimonyi noted the breakdown of traditional gender roles, with more women joining engineering courses and men enrolling in fashion and food studies.
“We’ve killed the myth that certain courses are only for men or women. Our students are focused on gaining skills that will help them in life,” Ms Kimonyi said.
A major boost to the college has been the Jitume Digital Skills Program, launched in 2022 by President William Ruto under the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, led by former Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
The initiative provides digital training, internet access, and online work opportunities for students.
“Some of our students are already earning online using digital skills taught through Jitume,” Ms. Kimonyi added.
However, the growing student population is straining the college’s infrastructure.
Kimonyi has called for more classrooms and workshops to meet demand.
Cabinet Secretary for information, communications and digital economy Hon William Kabogo is expected to visit the college this Friday to assess the Jitume program’s impact.
Msambweni TVC has received additional support from the area MP and the Kwale County Government, both of whom are backing youth empowerment through education.
Kimonyi encouraged youth not yet enrolled to visit the institution or connect through their Facebook page for guidance.
“Staying idle at home can lead to risky behavior. Skills training is the way forward,” she said.
Across Africa, countries like Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa are also investing in TVET education as a solution to youth unemployment and economic growth.
