Education

Nziu Vocational Training Centre Students Showcase Skills in Community Outreach at Nziu Catholic Church

From fresh haircuts to professional beauty transformations, our students provided free services to local residents, showcasing the hands-on expertise they’re gaining every day. It wasn’t just about the glow-ups, it was about showing our community the incredible career paths available right here at our institutions.

The students were honored to have the their Board Chair and the Institution Manager, Veronica Mwangi, leading the way.

This initiative is a testament to the ongoing support from the County Government through the Department of ICT, Education & Internship. By equipping our VTCs with modern technical tools and strong management boards, the County Government is ensuring our youth are ready for the modern workforce.

Interested in joining us?

Don’t just watch the magic happen—be a part of it! Our doors are open for new enrollments in hairdressing, beauty therapy, and many other technical courses.

MAKUENI ATC, KWAKATHOKA MARKS ST GRADUATION

Seventy-two graduands were on Thursday awarded certificates during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Makueni Agricultural Training Centre (MATC) at Kwakathoka, marking a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural skills in the county.

The ceremony, led by Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili, saw the trainees graduate in Dairy Farm Management, Poultry Kienyeji Production, and Horticulture Production.

The training combines school-based learning with field-based practical sessions and is examined and certified under the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), with support from development partners.

Mulili encouraged the graduands to put the knowledge and skills acquired into practice to unlock opportunities for economic empowerment.

The event was attended by Agriculture Ag. CECM Damaris Kavoi, Chief Officers Felistus Mutune and Japheth Kiminza, County Agriculture Sectoral Committee members and partners.

The ceremony also recognized 21 farmer groups comprising 507 farmers who completed field-based training in agricultural production, further strengthening Makueni’s vision of becoming a hub of skilled and knowledgeable farmers.

MAKUENI BOLSTERS VOCATIONAL TRAINING WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT!

In a major boost to technical education, Makueni County Government has today officially received a significant consignment of modern technical equipment. This procurement, spearheaded by the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship, is designed to fully kit out our Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the county.

This isn’t just about tools; it’s about future-proofing our workforce. By modernizing our workshops, we are ensuring that Makueni’s young people have access to industry-standard training that meets the demands of the 21st-century job market.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. remains steadfast in his commitment to the economic empowerment of our youth by bridging the gap between education and the marketplace.

MAKUENI BENCHMARKS SCHOOLTRY VTC SYSTEM IN KILIFI COUNTY.

The Makueni County Department of ICT, Education and Internship is on a two-day benchmarking visit to Kilifi County to study the Schooltry digital system used in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili alongside CECM ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Irene Makau, was received by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule.

She said the county’s main focus is addressing school dropouts by tracking learners and transitioning them into VTCs.

Rolled out in December 2024, the Schooltry system is data-driven and includes an e-library, though internet access remains a challenge in remote areas.

The platform is already operational in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, with Cameroon next.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES FEEDING PROGRAMME FOR ECDE LEARNERS IN KEE WARD.

The Government of Makueni County today launched a school feeding programme for ECDE learners in Kee Ward, benefiting over 900 children across 28 schools.

The 12-month programme aims to improve school attendance, nutrition, and learning outcomes among young learners.

The launch was led by the CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, Chief Officer for Devolution Daniel Ndolo, and the area MCA Arbanus Manzu, among other departmental officers.

Speaking during the event, CECM Mang’oka urged other ward representatives to consider rolling out similar feeding programmes in their wards, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in enhancing early childhood development and school retention.

The initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to supporting ECDE education and promoting the well-being of learners across Makueni County.

GOVERNOR MUTULA PLEDGES TO FAST-TRACK FULL OPERATIONALIZATION OF MAKUENI UNIVERSITY.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to fast-tracking the establishment of Makueni University College, underscoring the role of a public university in driving the county’s socio-economic development.

Speaking in Wote during a visit by South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) officials led by Professor Jonathan Mwania, the college’s inaugural principal, the governor said Makueni has a strong pool of qualified professionals to support its transition to a fully-fledged university.

The delegation assessed ongoing preparatory works at the Wote campus, including field grading, installation of streetlights and borehole drilling—key infrastructure milestones toward accreditation.

Gazetted last year as a constituent college of SEKU, Makueni University College has marked a critical first step toward full university status. The governor emphasized the need to secure its reserved land in Emali and Mtito Andei to support infrastructure development and meet regulatory requirements.

Professor Mwania commended the county’s support and called for sustained collaboration to achieve full operationalization.

OPEN UNIVERSITY MARKS SECOND GRADUATION, SENDS 200 INNOVATORS INTO KENYA’S DIGITAL FUTURE

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) marked yet another milestone, as it held it’s second graduation ceremony, proudly awarding certificates to over 200 graduates across various fields to the country’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The cohort completed programmes spanning Business and Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Statistics, Technology Education, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Forensics, fields central to Kenya’s emerging knowledge economy.

During the ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba underscored the government’s continued focus on strengthening OUK as a centre of excellence in digital learning, and inclusive education for learners across the country.

Chancellor Dr. James Mwangi highlighted the university’s online learning model as a transformative avenue for Kenyans seeking to advance their skills while balancing work, family, or distance barriers.

Guest speaker Lucy Mulili celebrated the graduating class as a new force in technology-driven growth, research, and innovation.

Her call for increased enrollment from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties was reinforced by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who encouraged more learners from the region to seize the opportunities provided by OUK’s digital platform.

MAKUENI WELCOMES LATEST COHORT OF INTERNS

The Government of Makueni County has expanded its efforts to tackle youth unemployment by inducting a second large cohort of interns this year. Following the initial onboarding of 49 interns on September 15, 2025, the county government today officially welcomed another 55 young professionals.

The event was graced by CECM Japheth Mang’oka, Chief Officer for Education & ICT Irene Makau and the Director of Revenue, alongside other facilitators who will guide the new recruits. These 55 innterns will be spread across various county departments, marking a substantial commitment by the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship to integrate Makueni’s youth into the public sector workforce.

The overarching goal of the 12-month internship programme is to equip Makueni’s youth with the necessary employability skills crucial for navigating the competitive job market.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education & Internship highlighted the program’s significance, stating: “This initiative is not just about filling positions; it’s an investment in the future of Makueni County. We are committed to empowering our youth with the hands-on experience and professional discipline that will make them competitive in the modern job market, both locally and internationally.”

This practical exposure within the county public service is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world professional demands, fostering a more skilled and dynamic local workforce.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES ‘INSPIRING READERS’ PROJECT

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), has launched the Inspiring Readers Project at Mutyambua Library in Mbitini Ward. The program benefits five schools in Mbitini and Emali/Mulala Wards.

Chief Officer ICT, Education, and Internship, Irene Makau, reaffirmed Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to strengthening community libraries to enhance reading culture in the county emphasizing the County government’s commitment to embrace virtual reading by ensuring internet connectivity to the County Libraries.

KNLS officials led by Director Preservation Betty Kalugho unveiled plans to roll out virtual libraries in County Libraries. Already, learners are showing improved reading skills and confidence, with the initiative sparking a love for reading. With ten libraries established in partnership with Book Aid International, the success at Mutyambua sets the pace for further expansion across the county.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES ‘INSPIRING READERS’ PROJECT.

The Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), has launched a major literacy initiative, the Inspiring Readers Project. The event held today at the Kithasyu Library brought together learners and educators from five beneficiary schools in Thange, Makindu, and Nguumo wards, signaling a strong commitment to boosting reading culture and expanding access to learning resources across the county.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education, and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka used the platform to reaffirm Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and the County Government’s dedication to supporting all of its community libraries. He praised local residents for their role in ensuring the projects’ success and sustainability. Complementing this effort, KNLS officials announced a new collaboration to develop virtual libraries within County ICT Centres, bridging the digital divide and expanding knowledge access beyond physical walls.

The project is already having a profound impact, with students expressing excitement about the new school libraries and noting a significant improvement in their reading skills and confidence. With ten libraries already established in partnership with Book Aid International, the program’s success at Kithasyu paves the way for its next expansion to the Mutyambua Library in Mbitini Ward, empowering communities through the transformative power of education.