Mary Wanjiku is among 124 students who got a scholarship to pursue technical courses at Kabarak University TVET Institute.
Wanjiku graduated on Tuesday after a three-month soft skill training in a fully sponsored Hospitality and Tourism course, which commenced in January 2025. She, alongside others, is the pioneer of the programme in the institute.
She said her passion of being a chef since she was young was finally materializing and she aims at advancing her studies, moving forward.
“I feel proud because I have wanted to learn to cook since I was young. The short course will assist me with skills and will be the first step in achieving my dreams,” she said.
Other 123 students graduated in technical courses, including Arc Welding, Electrical Engineering, Information Communication Technology, Plumbing, Food and Beverages, Business and Social Sciences, among others.
Kabarak University TVET partnered with Compassion International, to support the students from humble backgrounds. The programme targets Form Four leavers.
Professor Henry Kiplagat, the Vice Chancellor (VC) Kabarak University, said the course was a skilful and meaningful step towards the success of students.
“The soft-skills training turns technical workers into respected professionals and strong entrepreneurs and makes them ready for the job market,” said Prof Kiplagat.
The VC who is also the Chair of Kabarak University TVET board advised the graduates that their journey was far from over and challenged them to advance to next level training to improve their potential.
“Success is a journey and you have already taken some of the most important steps. Go out there and represent your skills with pride. Let your work speak of excellence and your attitude reflect discipline and integrity,” he said.
He challenged the sponsors to continue empowering more youth to rise, learn and change their future.
The institute’s Executive Director Dr Dan Mutai urged the graduates to challenge their peers to take the first step by enrolling in the short courses.
Dr Mutai said there was no end in learning and challenged the graduates to push their careers further.
Newton Midamba, the Senior Manager Compassion International dared the graduates to be courageous in the field of business.
He, however, warned that success was not a guarantee.
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“Be courageous, flexible because it is not a guarantee that you will succeed. You need to be committed and keep going even when it gets tough,” said Midamba.
Midamba said the company, in partnership with Kabarak University, will continue to support students from humble backgrounds.
However, he urged the students to give the company a reason to sponsor them but excelling in their studies and applying the same in their line of work.
“You are the pioneers. Go out there and shine. Make us proud,” he said.
Richard Meli, the Regional Coordinator Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), said the graduates had acquired skills to turn their technical courses into businesses.
He said as employers they were looking for employees who would provide innovation and solutions and change in the society.
By Daniel Chege