The principle secretary, state department for vocational and Technical Training Institutes Dr Margaret Mwakima graced the first ever graduation ceremony at Siala Technical Training Institute in Rongo Sub County.
The institute found in Migori County, came as a replacement of Moi Institute of Technology which was converted to the current Rongo University.
After its establishment and funding through the sponsorship of the African Development Bank (ADB), it became operational in 2016 when it admitted 354 trainees.
The Siala institute held its first ever graduation ceremony within five years after its establishment and saw its first ever graduation recording a total of 440 trainees, graduating with diplomas and certificate awards.
While gracing the ceremony, the principle secretary, state department for vocational and technical training Dr Margaret Mwakima said that she was honored to grace the institute’s first ever graduation, a commissioning of government of Kenya and Africa Development Bank phase one and two projects.
In her speech, Dr Margaret lauded the board of governors, management, staff and trainees for their resilience towards achieving the first ever graduation.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I commend the Siala institute Board of Governors, management, the principal and the staffs for the efforts made in passing the right attitude, skills and knowledge to the grandaunts.” she said.
Dr Margaret added that graduation is a great achievement not only for the institute but also to the nation and for that reason the government has put in place measures to enhance technical capabilities acquisition among the youths in working towards the achievement of the big four agenda and the Kenya vision 2030.
Having been born through sponsorship of GOK and the ADB, Dr Margaret noted that Siala TTI infrastructural development is being implemented in phases.
The phase one development was the mechanical and automotive workshops and phase two is the building and civil engineering complex which she commissioned on the day of the graduation.
In her closing remarks, the PS acknowledged the profound leadership of the TTI which has seen risen in terms of infrastructural developments, adding that the board chairman and his team are working around the clock to ensure positive transformation.
“I take this opportunity to thank the principal, Ms Asha Bakari for the profound leadership, commitment, team work and integrity in ensuring that the institute progresses in the right direction.” She concluded.
The Principal of Siala institute Ms Asha Bakari on her remarks applauded the grandaunts, stating that she has no doubts that the competent rigorous and professional training the grandaunts have received will make them stand out in the job market.
“We applaud the graduated for their hardwood and having overcome the package of resilience during the training period. Surely they have emerged successful.” She remarked.
Ms Bakari noted that within last one year, the institute has made tremendous progress towards improving its service delivery.
A few to note, the enrolment increased from 810 to 2100 trainees, increased number of courses offered to 40 from 30 and improved physical structure which led to the commissioning of the phase two GOK/ADB project.
She added that the institution is also working on partnerships with other three organizations including Meru University and consortium of universities in Netherlands in project dubbed EPIVOT (Enhancing Partnerships for Industry-led Vocational Education and Training).
All these are aimed at ensuring training is wholesomely relevant to the current industry needs.
The BOG chairman Mr George Gout, highlighted that they are focused to make dreams come true by ensuring increase in trainee enrolment, expansion of the physical infrastructure and the human resource capacity and capability.
Ogutu challenged the grandaunts to go and apply the skills impacted in them to help spur Kenya towards not only achieving Kenya vision 2030 but also the African agenda 2063, “The Africa we want”
KTMN Reporter 
Meza Mwanza