Riragia TVC Emerges as Fastest-Growing Technical College.
Riragia Technical and Vocational College (TVC) recently held its first-ever graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The event, attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in Marani Sub County, celebrated 203 graduates across various technical disciplines. Local leaders and the Education Ministry lauded the college’s remarkable progress.
Dr. Paul Makori, the Principal of Riragia TVC, expressed deep appreciation to the Education Ministry for its continuous support. He highlighted the pioneering efforts of the founding Principal, Mr. Evans Bosire, now at Sigalagala National Polytechnic. Dr. Makori recalled the college’s modest inception in 2019, which started with just five students, eight trainers, and a small support staff.
He attributed the institution’s growth and improved standards to the government’s provision of modern equipment, emphasizing that this has significantly enhanced technical training quality. “The national government’s investment in equipment has played a vital role in raising the standard of technical education,” Dr. Makori explained.
The Principal also pointed to the rising student enrollment as evidence of increasing public confidence in the college. Currently, Riragia TVC hosts 2,672 trainees, a number supported by both local leadership and the families of the students.
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Dr. Makori shared that thanks to active community outreach and bursaries provided by the area Member of Parliament, the college enrolled 700 new students in September and an additional 462 in May. This momentum sets the college on a promising path toward its goal of 5,000 students in the near future.
He congratulated the graduates warmly, urging them to serve as proud ambassadors of the institution’s values and achievements. Furthermore, Dr. Makori acknowledged the dedication of both teaching and non-teaching staff, along with the support of families and sponsors, who have all contributed to the college’s success.
The Kenya Association of Teaching and Training Institutions (KATTI) Secretary General, Shadrack Tonui, praised Riragia TVC as one of the region’s youngest yet fastest-expanding technical colleges. He voiced strong support for the government’s ambitious plan to enroll two million trainees in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by July, noting that this would help position Kenya as a global technology hub.
Tonui, who also serves as Principal of Kericho Township TVC, urged authorities to ensure scholarships and loans are disbursed promptly to avoid disruptions in planning and service delivery. He applauded the government’s rollout of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program to TVET institutions, calling it a revolutionary initiative.
“The introduction of RPL is a transformative move to formally recognize skilled artisans who previously lacked certification, including masons, tailors, and plumbers,” Tonui stated.
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At the ceremony, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi highlighted the college’s immense potential for growth but flagged land shortages as a major challenge. He advocated for the creation of a dedicated administrative unit to manage the expanding student population and institutional requirements.
MP Nyakundi pledged his full legislative backing alongside the Cabinet Secretary to support Riragia TVC. He appealed to the Ministry of Education to assist in securing additional land to accommodate the institution’s future expansion plans.
In closing remarks, Nyakundi reiterated his commitment to advancing education in the region and thanked all stakeholders for their continued dedication to nurturing technical skills development.
Riragia TVC Emerges as Fastest-Growing Technical College.