The Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP) yesterday marked a historic milestone, celebrating its 21st graduation ceremony as over 2,000 graduands were conferred with diplomas, certificates, and artisan qualifications across seven specialized skill areas.
The colorful ceremony, held at the institution’s main campus, highlighted the polytechnic’s rapid transformation into a premier national hub for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Chief Guest, Mr. Joseph Njau, Secretary of TVETs, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS. In his speech, the CS lauded KINAP for its visionary leadership and its alignment with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“TVET excellence is about fostering skills that matter, innovation that transforms, and entrepreneurship that creates opportunities,” the CS stated. “These graduates are not just job seekers; they are job creators prepared to fix the gaps in our modern industrial market.”
The CS emphasized that the Fourth Industrial Revolution demands a workforce capable of redefining products and services. He noted that KINAP’s focus on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) ensures that graduates are “badges of practical competence” rather than just holders of academic certificates.
In a statement from the Principal Secretary for the State Department of TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, the government reiterated its commitment to formalizing skills through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.
“We celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that defines modern TVET,” Dr. Muoria’s message read. “Sustainable development is built by individuals who apply their skills responsibly to transform their communities.”
The Chief Principal of KINAP, Mr. Sammy K. Waititu, expressed immense pride in the institution’s growth since its upgrade from an Institute of Science and Technology to a National Polytechnic. He highlighted several key achievements that have placed KINAP on the national map:
As a Qualification Awarding Body, KINAP now assesses and certifies its own trainees under strict national standards.
Infrastructure: The institution boasts a functional Industrial Mechatronics Complex and an upcoming Hospitality Complex.
Research & Sports: In 2025, KINAP emerged as the overall winner in the KATTI Nairobi Region Research and Knowledge Management fairs and secured top national positions in badminton and handball.
Environmental Impact: Aligning with presidential directives, the polytechnic planted over 26,000 trees in 2025 and produced nearly 40,000 seedlings.
“True to our motto, ‘Skills for Self-Reliance,’ we have produced graduates ready to contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Mr. Waititu. “We are even training 150 RPL students, ensuring those with practical experience but no formal papers are finally recognized.”
Addressing the 2,000-plus graduands, the speakers urged them to maintain high ethical standards as they transition into the workforce.
“Your certificate is important—but your attitude will take you further,” the CS reminded them. “Your success is personal—but your responsibility is national.”
The ceremony concluded with a message of hope for parents and guardians, thanking them for their financial and moral sacrifices. As the Class of 2025 steps out, they carry the mantle of Kenya’s industrial future, equipped to tackle challenges in food security, renewable energy, and ICT.
