The Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind (MTIB) was among the top 14 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions feted for driving skills, innovation, and inclusivity training in the TVET sector .
MTIB emerged as the best in the Women in STEM and Inclusivity Award category. Speaking during the recognition ceremony, Dr. Nduku Mutua, Chief Principal at MTIB, lauded the initiative as a transformative partnership that has redefined the training landscape for special-needs learners.
“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to inclusive, practical, and gender-sensitive technical education. Through the dual training model, our learners — including women and persons with disabilities — are gaining not just academic knowledge, but real skills that prepare them for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Nduku.
The 14 TVET institutes were celebrated under the Dual TVET Mid-Term Project Review and Recognition Gala held in Nairobi. The event celebrated excellence and innovation among TVET institutions implementing the Dual Training approach – a model combining classroom instruction with structured industry experience.
The dual training model, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on industrial experience, is revolutionizing Kenya’s technical training sector by aligning skills development with market needs.
This recognition was made under the ‘Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training’ Programme, a flagship initiative jointly funded by the Governments of Finland and Germany, and spearheaded by the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with technical support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET, congratulated the winners and commended the growing synergy between TVET institutions and industries.
“Dual TVET is more than a training model. It is a bridge from potential to purpose, from the classroom to the career,” she said. “This approach turns learning into livelihood and trainees into trusted professionals. It is transforming our youth into job creators, not job seekers and proving that when education meets industry, Kenya’s future is unstoppable.”
According to Friederike Hemker, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Kenya has made in embedding dual training within its TVET system.
“When I recently met young plumbing trainees at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, I saw Dual Training in action – young people learning by doing, with confidence and pride,” she said.
Hemker added, “The progress in dual training in Kenya is visible – stronger partnerships between TVET institutions and companies, confident trainees, and industries ready to invest in young talent. Your efforts are driving real change and positioning Kenya as a regional leader in skills development and innovation.”
On his part, Matts Wuerlander, Counsellor for Skills Development and Job Creation at the Embassy of Finland, lauded the TVETs and industries for strong collaborations.
“Finland is proud to be part of Kenya’s remarkable Dual Training journey. Together, we have exceeded our programme targets and demonstrated what true collaboration can achieve – partnerships that deliver results and empower young people with practical, employable skills,” he said.
Over the years, MTIB has forged various partnerships with local industries and organizations that aim to ensure learners gain hands-on experience in sectors such as ICT, entrepreneurship, electrical and electronic engineering, business studies, and crafts.
The institution also provides adaptive technologies such as Braille-based learning materials, tactile diagrams, and digital screen readers to make technical education accessible and effective for all.
Dr. Nduku emphasized that the dual training approach has bridged the gap between education and employment for MTIB graduates.
“Our collaboration with industry players ensures that learners are exposed to the real demands of the job market. We have seen remarkable results — our graduates are being absorbed faster, and many are now running their own enterprises,” she noted.
In addition to being recognized for excellence in dual training, MTIB also received the Women in STEM Inclusion Award, acknowledging the institution’s outstanding efforts in promoting gender equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The award celebrates MTIB’s initiatives that empower women — especially those with visual impairments — to pursue careers in STEM-related fields traditionally dominated by men. Through mentorship programs, targeted training, and accessible digital resources, the institution has opened pathways for women to thrive in technology and innovation.
“Empowering women in STEM is not just about equality; it’s about unlocking untapped potential,” said Dr. Nduku . “We are proud that women at MTIB are excelling in fields like ICT and engineering. Their success stories are changing perceptions about disability and gender in technical education.”
Under Dr. Mutua’s leadership, MTIB has invested in digital learning tools and inclusive infrastructure to ensure that women with disabilities can fully participate in scientific and technical learning. The institution’s Smart Learning Hub — a digital center equipped with assistive technologies — serves as a vital resource for visually impaired learners to access research materials, coding software, and innovation platforms.
At the same-time MTIB was also recognized as one of Kenya’s top Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions specializing in special needs education and inclusive technical training. The accolade comes following a national research conducted by Timely Kenya, an education and research consultancy, which released its findings on October 7, 2025.
The survey, which sampled over 150 public and private TVET institutions across the country, assessed performance based on several key indicators — quality of training, inclusion, industry collaboration, dual training models, mentorship, sustainability, and graduate employability.
MTIB emerged among the leading institutions, earning praise for its commitment to empowering visually impaired learners with technical and vocational skills that match Kenya’s evolving labor market.
