Kisiwa Technical Institute in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County, has officially been elevated to a National Polytechnic following the Cabinet’s approval — a major milestone in Kenya’s expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The announcement was made during the institution’s graduation ceremony on Friday, which was graced by Higher Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Beatrice Inyangala and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
The elevation positions Kisiwa alongside other upgraded institutions such as Sang’alo Institute of Science and Technology, which was earlier transformed into The Bungoma National Polytechnic, marking Bungoma as a fast-rising hub for technical education in Western Kenya.
Governor Lusaka hailed the move as a game-changer for the county’s economic and human capital growth.
“The government’s decision to grant Kisiwa national status will go a long way in boosting our local economy and strengthening our technical workforce,” Lusaka said.
He pledged the county’s partnership with the institution and local leaders to improve infrastructure, including the installation of security lights and lobbying for better roads around the campus.
The governor further urged graduates to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that Bungoma County has prioritized youth empowerment through 89 vocational training centres.
“Our goal is to nurture a generation of job creators, not job seekers,” he emphasized. “We are investing in modern equipment, digital learning tools, and internship opportunities to enhance employability.”
Lusaka also announced plans to establish innovation and incubation centres at the Sang’alo Industrial Park to help graduates transform ideas into viable enterprises.
“Do not fear failure,” he encouraged graduates. “Use every challenge as a stepping stone. Go out, make your mark, and be ambassadors of Bungoma County and Kisiwa National Polytechnic.”
The governor thanked President William Ruto for responding positively to the county’s request for Kisiwa’s elevation and called for continued collaboration between national and county governments to upgrade the local road network.
“Now that Kisiwa is a national polytechnic, we must ensure the surrounding infrastructure reflects that status,” Lusaka added.
Higher Education PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala said the day marked a dual celebration — the graduation of over 2,500 students and the formal recognition of Kisiwa as a National Polytechnic.
“This achievement demonstrates our government’s commitment to strengthening TVET institutions as engines of innovation and skills development,” Dr. Inyangala stated.
Institution Principal Emmanuel Wamalwa expressed gratitude to the government, calling the elevation “a dream come true” for the entire Kisiwa community.
“This is the moment we have been waiting for — and it’s an honor to hold our first graduation as a national polytechnic,” Wamalwa said.
With its new status, Kisiwa National Polytechnic is expected to attract greater investment, partnerships, and enrollment — reinforcing Bungoma’s position as a cornerstone of Kenya’s technical training and innovation ecosystem.
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