I led a strategic engagement with Dr. Julius Kipng’etich @Kipngetichjk (Group CEO, Jubilee Holdings & Board Member, The Blue Company Project) and the Going Blue team to explore a national partnership aimed at strengthening ethical business practices across Kenya.
I was joined by KNCCI CEO K.K. Mutai and KNCCI Busia Chapter Chair Sylvanus Abungu, we mapped out a vision to mobilize KNCCI members to adopt integrity, transparency, and anti-corruption frameworks.
Key Outcomes:
National Collaboration: KNCCI & The Blue Company will drive wider adoption of the Going Blue program across our countrywide network.
Busia Pilot: We are kicking off with anti-corruption and governance training in Busia County—one of Kenya's busiest cross-border trade hubs.
Why it matters: Going Blue reduces the cost of doing business, builds global credibility, unlocks B2B trade opportunities, and offers free ethical certification.
Together with Dr. Kipng’etich, our shared vision is to grow this network to over 1,000 businesses, positioning Kenya as a trusted destination for ethical, globally competitive commerce. 🤝✨
#GoingBlue #EthicalCommerce #KNCCI #BusinessIntegrity #TradeKenya
Today in Wajir, during the launch of the Thematic Week ahead of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations themed “Education, Skills and the Future,” I emphasized the need to invest in practical, industry-driven skills to prepare youth for a competitive global economy.
I called on stakeholders to work together in educating, skilling and empowering young people, while embracing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to formally recognize competencies acquired outside conventional classroom settings.
I joined H.E. President William Ruto, Head of Public Service, Colleague PS’s, Clergy, senior officials from National and County Governments, at Mnangoni Primary School, Bamba, Ganze Constituency, Kilifi County, during the thanksgiving ceremony of PS Fikirini Jacobs and his family. The occasion brought together the community in a spirit of gratitude, unity and reflection, marking an important moment of thanksgiving and togetherness.
It was inspiring to witness the strong bond between leaders and wananchi as HE the President reaffirmed his commitment to support the Government’s development agenda and work together towards building a better future for the country.
I am grateful for the warm reception accorded to us in Bamba and for the opportunity to engage with residents as we continue empowering communities through skills, education and sustainable development.
Today, I joined stakeholders at the 1st International Research Conference by the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) in Mombasa County under the theme: “Enhancing Capacity Building and Skills Development for Sustainable Road Transport.” The conference brought together researchers, industry players and sector experts to explore evidence-based solutions for the future of road transport infrastructure.
KIHBT, one of the flagship institutions under EASTRIP, is an important training institution with a strategic role in building specialized capacity for the roads, transport and infrastructure sector.
While giving my remarks, I emphasized that research must not remain on paper, but must be translated into action, innovation and measurable outcomes that improve training, strengthen industry relevance and produce graduates who can deliver in the real world. I further underscored the need to move from evidence to execution so that research meaningfully informs policy, practice and labour-market outcomes.
In his keynote address, the Principal Secretary for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, emphasized that as Africa’s young population continues to grow and urbanize rapidly, infrastructure investment must be matched with equal investment in the people who will deliver it. He further noted that Kenya must close skills gaps in building, construction and road maintenance to ensure quality, resilience and sustainability. Eng. Mbugua also reiterated the need to update skills curricula to respond to digital tools, smart mobility, green construction and the changing demands of industry. The deliberate inclusion of over 70 young women supported through EASTRIP to pursue technical skills in infrastructure-related areas is commendable.
I was particularly encouraged by the participation of institutions such as KeRRA, whose exhibition showcased infrastructure innovation and climate-resilient roads, including the Galana-Kulalu case study aimed at strengthening the country’s food security agenda. As the Government continues to strengthen TVET and skills development, the State Department remains committed to such partnerships that advance a Whole-of-Government approach, improve graduate outcomes and prepare trainees with the skills required for a globally competitive infrastructure sector.
#SustainableRoads #ClimateResilience
I just had the craziest experience at the airport.
We are about to board a flight to Atlanta when the pilot from the incoming plane walks out of the jetway. Guy is probably late 50s, salt and pepper hair, military look. The kind of pilot you instantly feel good about seeing on your flight.
Pilot walks over to the counter, gets on the PA system, and starts addressing everyone. “Folks, I’ve been doing this a long time. Flying one of these jets is easy. The hard part is looking at 130 people and telling them their flight is going to be delayed.”
Audible groans throughout the boarding gate. Most people here are flying to Atlanta as a layover before another flight. 130 people just had their day become a complete mess.
The pilot goes on. “I get it, trust me. But here’s the deal: During our landing, we had a small mechanical issue. I’m not your pilot for the next leg, but I don’t feel confident the jet’s safe to fly until we have a mechanical team look it over, and I don’t feel comfortable asking the next pilots to fly you guys until we get confirmation.”
He points at the agents next to him behind the counter: “Now, none of this is the agents’ fault. Please be kind to them. I’m the one who made this decision, not them, so any inconvenience you experience is my fault. Just please know that I don’t do this lightly, and I’m only doing it because I believe it’s in the best interests of everyone’s safety.”
Now this is where the story gets crazy. The pilot puts the microphone down, grabs his suitcase, and all the people in the gate…
Start clapping.
I’m not joking, everyone starts clapping for the guy. 130 people who just had their travel plans ruined give an ovation to the guy who made the decision and delivered the message.
All because he addressed them with decency and transparency, took ownership of the decision, made it clear that it was necessary, and explained why it was in everyone’s best interest.
It’s honestly one of the best examples of strong communication—of strong leadership, for that matter—that I’ve seen in a long time.
@Delta, whoever your Atlanta to Wichita pilot was this morning, he’s one of the good ones. Please tell him the delayed passengers of flight 1637 appreciate what he did.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Esther Muoria, appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Education to present the priorities, funding requirements and strategic direction of the State Department in advancing Kenya’s skills development agenda.
During the session, Dr Muoria outlined the Department’s budget requirement of Ksh. 24.8 billion, comprising Ksh. 21.3 billion for recurrent expenditure and Ksh. 3.5 billion for development expenditure, aimed at sustaining and strengthening the delivery of technical and vocational education and training across the country.
She underscored the importance of adequate and sustained financing in supporting scholarships and trainee support programmes, enhancing institutional capacity, modernising training infrastructure and equipment and ensuring efficient and uninterrupted service delivery within TVET institutions.
The engagement provided an important platform to deliberate on the central role of TVET in equipping young people with industry-relevant skills, strengthening workforce competitiveness, promoting innovation and supporting Kenya’s industrialisation and socio-economic transformation agenda.
Under Viet Nam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Cao Thang Technical College shows how a long-established public TVET institution keeps pace with industry. A century-long legacy and enrolment of over 10,000 trainees across electronics, informatics, mechanical, automotive and refrigeration anchor programmes shaped by Industry Advisory Boards, aligned to labour market demand in a way that resonates with Kenya’s CBET and dual training direction.
Training runs on a 50:50 theory–practical model, backed by enterprise participation through equipment support, apprenticeships, competitions and scholarships. Trainees are exposed to real production standards quality, precision and finishing resulting in graduates who transition directly into work.
Internationally aligned certification, continuous trainer upskilling and diversified income streams sustain quality with limited reliance on government support pointing to a model where institutions are not just training centres, but active players in the skills economy.
Strengthening industry integration, practical training and globally aligned certification will anchor a competitive and future-ready TVET system firmly positioning Kenya to deliver skills that translate into productivity, employment and global opportunity. @TVET_MoE
Held a productive consultative meeting with Hon. Kitur Bernard Kibor, MP for Nandi, to deliberate on the reopening of Olesos National Polytechnic.
The discussions centered on strengthening the institution’s capacity to deliver quality and industry-responsive TVET programmes. We explored sustainable financing models to accelerate completion of ongoing infrastructure, equip workshops with modern training facilities and ensure compliance with national TVET standards.
Reopening Olesos National Polytechnic is a priority as we work towards expanding access to technical training, enhancing skills development and empowering our youth with competencies that align with labour market needs and national development goals.
I joined H.E. the President, William Ruto, during the opening of a new workshop block at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi. The modern facility will significantly enhance practical training, strengthen industry linkages and equip our trainees with hands-on, competency-based skills aligned to the needs of the labour market.
As part of commitment to creating a supportive learning environment, the Government also undertook to construct hostels that will accommodate 580 students at a cost of KSh 250 million in the first phase. This investment will ensure that more young people can access quality technical training in a safe and conducive setting.
The Head of State also addressed residents and traders in Kawangware, Dagoretti North, reaffirming commitment to empowering communities through infrastructure and enterprise support.
The Government continues to hire more tutors, expand education infrastructure and enhance funding for higher education because human capital development remains the key driver of our country’s socio-economic transformation.
Rallying Partners for Connected Africa Summit 2026 and Africa’s Digital Future
I had the pleasure of engaging our partners and sponsors as we prepare for the Connected Africa Summit (CAS) 2026, scheduled for 27th to 30th April 2026 at The Edge Convention Centre,Nairobi. I sincerely appreciate their continued support and shared commitment to advancing Africa’s Digital Economy.
I was joined by the Chairperson of the ICT Authority Board, H.E. Lily Ng’ok, and the CEO of the ICT Authority, Mr. Jessy Kiveu, alongside our valued technology partners and stakeholders who continue to play a critical role in shaping our digital transformation journey.
Under this year’s theme, “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market,” CAS 2026 will focus on practical collaboration that delivers measurable impact across the continent.
Our priorities include:
• Strengthening Africa’s startup ecosystem and connecting our startups with global innovators and investors
• Opening structured opportunities for solution providers to engage governments and industry
• Expanding connectivity corridors beyond traditional routes from East Coast to West Coast and across Africa
• Enhancing redundancy and resilience of digital infrastructure, including strengthening submarine cable capacity
• Advancing progressive policies on cross-border data flows to enable a seamless continental digital market
• Deepening collaboration in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and cloud ecosystem development
The Summit provides a unique platform for stakeholders to engage directly with government officials and decision-makers, accelerating partnerships and implementation.
Digital transformation has a powerful multiplier effect across sectors — from agriculture and health to education, trade, and manufacturing. When strategically executed, it unlocks new opportunities for our young people, strengthens governance, and positions Africa as a globally competitive digital hub.
CAS 2026 will bring together continental partners, global friends, innovators, and investors to move from frameworks to action. Together, we are building a connected, inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-driven Digital Africa.
@ICTAuthorityKE@MoICTKenya@CA_Kenya@MoICT_Ug@RwandaICT @konzatech @ODPC_KE
Men,
Men can be friends for 3 YEARS and none knows each others surnames.
They just call themselves
"Chief,"
"Boss,"
Or their social media usernames.
But a woman cannot.
In 2 weeks, she will have known
• Your Surname
• Your Mother's name
• Your Payslip
• Your ID No
• Your High school grade
• Your Bank account
• Your HR's name
• Your father's workplace
Men become friends because they share a mutual mission.
Women befriend men to steal from them.
#MasculinitySaturday
Together with my counterpart, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok, I accompanied the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, as he briefed His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., on key reform and revitalisation initiatives in the education sector.
The briefing focused on the rollout of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system, the employment of additional teachers achieving a historic milestone of 100,000 teachers recruited over the last three years and the expansion of education and training infrastructure across all levels.
These interventions reaffirm the Government’s commitment to strengthening human capital development, improving learning outcomes and aligning education and skills training with national development priorities.
Happy New Year!
As we step into 2026, we remain committed to enhancing the quality, relevance, and accessibility of CBET in Kenya. We look forward to deepening our partnerships, embracing innovation, and continuing to champion a skilled, competitive, and resilient workforce.
As we begin 2026, I remain committed to a TVET sector that is bold, modern and responsive to Kenya’s development priorities. Technical, vocational education and training is a cornerstone of economic transformation, equipping youth with practical skills, creating jobs and driving inclusive prosperity.
I am focused on strengthening quality, expanding opportunity and deepening the impact of training through innovation and strategic collaboration.
To all our partners, institutions and stakeholders, thank you for your unwavering support. May we hold hands to achieve our Agenda pragmatically.Let us march forward with unity of purpose, clarity of vision and a shared resolve to make TVET a true engine of transforming Kenya to a first-world economy.
Blessed New Year to All!
Christmas in Mashinani – A Season of Presence and Purpose
This Christmas, I returned home to Gikuuri, Rukuriri (Îriarî Village), Karurumo ,and Kigumo in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County to be with people to listen, to share and to give back.
Together with the TVET family, we delivered food, blankets, and hampers to our elderly a small gesture of dignity and warmth to those who have given so much. It reminded me that true leadership is not only about policy, but presence.
As Government and as TVET, we are firmly rooted in mashinani walking with our communities and empowering from the ground up.
This festive season, may we all be reminded of the power of kindness, service and human connection. That is the true spirit of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all Kenyans and especially to my people of Embu. May your hearts be full ,your homes warm and your hope renewed.
#TVETKenya #christmasvibes #Runyenjes
Celebrating our people
Our CEO awarded staff at the Vilcom End of Year Celebrations, appreciating the teamwork that made 2025 a success.
Congratulations to the entire Vilcom family onward and upward!
#VilcomNetworks#CEOAwards#TeamVilcom#2025Success