By Digital Desk | Bungoma, Kenya
Kisiwa National Polytechnic has held its first-ever graduation ceremony since being elevated to national status, marking a defining moment for technical education in Western Kenya.
More than 2,500 students graduated in engineering, applied sciences, business, and digital media programs, as hundreds gathered at the Kabuchai campus to celebrate the milestone.
Lusaka Urges Graduates to Create Jobs, Not Seek Them
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka opened the ceremony with an appeal for innovation and self-reliance among the youth.
“Our county takes pride in hosting one of Kenya’s fastest-growing polytechnics,” Lusaka said.
“The youth must think beyond employment — use your training to create jobs, solve problems, and build your communities. The future belongs to doers.”
He pledged continued partnership with the institution to improve facilities and fund innovation-driven projects that empower graduates to become entrepreneurs.
Dr. Inyangala Hails TVET Success
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, commended the milestone as a reflection of the government’s investment in technical and vocational training.
“This ceremony reflects Kenya’s commitment to producing a skilled, adaptable workforce for the 21st-century economy,” she said.
“Each graduate represents progress — a bridge between knowledge and industry.”
She encouraged the graduates to apply their skills in emerging sectors such as green energy, ICT and digital media.
Chief Principal Wamalwa: ‘The World Is Now Your Workshop’
Chief Principal Emmanuel Wamalwa called the event a proud moment in Kisiwa’s history, crediting both government and community support for the institution’s growth.
“From humble beginnings to national recognition, Kisiwa has become a hub of creativity and innovation,” he said.
“To our graduates — this is your moment. Use your hands, your minds, and your hearts to transform Kenya.”
He said the polytechnic plans to expand programs in renewable energy, ICT and digital media to meet changing industry demands.
Voices from the Crowd
Mary Kiprono, a parent from Kimilili, said the event gave her hope for the next generation.
“When my daughter joined digital media, I didn’t understand much about it,” she said. “Now she can film, edit, and even earn from online work. I’m proud of how far she’s come.”
Brian Wanyonyi, one of the first digital media graduates, said the program taught him to turn creativity into a career.
“We learned to tell stories, manage social platforms, and produce content,” he said. “This graduation is not the end — it’s the start of our digital journey.”
Joyce Mwangi, a continuing student in Business Studies, said watching the graduation motivated her to work harder.
“Seeing them graduate shows that technical education pays off,” she said. “Kisiwa has shown us that skill really is power.”
A Legacy of Growth
Founded in 1961 as the East Bukusu Youth Club, the institution initially offered basic training in shoemaking, masonry and carpentry.
It later became Kisiwa Technical Training Institute before achieving national polytechnic status.
Today, Kisiwa serves more than 11,000 students across 11 departments and has invested in state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure, including the Jitume Digital Lab, which supports digital training and online work access for youth.
Its mission — “Empowering Youth Through Market-Driven Skills” — continues to guide its programs in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead
The first graduation was more than a celebration of certificates — it was a declaration of ambition and resilience.
As the graduates turned their tassels under the Kabuchai sun, they carried with them the confidence to shape Kenya’s digital and industrial future — one innovation, one idea, one story at a time.
