Machakos University Celebrates Groundbreaking of KSh 120 Million Smart TVET Centre in Partnership with M-PESA Foundation

Machakos University has marked a significant milestone in advancing technical and vocational education with the groundbreaking of a KSh 120 million Smart TVET Centre, funded by the M-PESA Foundation. The project will strengthen competency-based training, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration while equipping learners with practical skills for the future of work. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 15 July 2026, was presided over by University Council Chairperson Dr. Peter Maangi Mitiambo and attended by members of the University Council, Management Board, staff, students, representatives from Safaricom PLC, the Ministry of Education, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.

In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joyce Agalo described the Smart TVET Centre as a transformative investment that will enhance technical and vocational education, research, and innovation. She noted that the University secured funding through the M-PESA Foundation 2025 competitive grant programme, enabling the construction of a modern facility equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, and specialized equipment. Prof. Agalo highlighted the University’s strong TVET heritage, dating back to 1957, noting that despite attaining full university status in 2016, it has maintained a vibrant TVET Institute that now serves over 2,000 students with clear progression pathways to degree programmes.

She added that the Centre will integrate modern technology with competency-based, industry-responsive training to equip graduates with practical, digital, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills. The facility will also provide an enabling environment for research, innovation, product development, and entrepreneurship, supporting the University’s vision of Co-creating Sustainable Futures. The Vice-Chancellor thanked the M-PESA Foundation, Safaricom PLC, the University Council, project consultants, contractors, and the implementation team led by Registrar (Research, Innovation and Linkages), Prof. David Mulwa, expressing confidence that the Centre will become one of Kenya’s leading hubs for technical and vocational education.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Peter Maangi Mitiambo described the groundbreaking as a defining moment in the University’s transformation journey. He said the partnership between Machakos University, the M-PESA Foundation, and Safaricom PLC reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to quality technical education and preparing graduates for the demands of modern industry. He noted that the Smart TVET Centre will strengthen the University’s capacity to deliver market-driven programmes through world-class laboratories, workshops, and practical learning facilities while reaffirming the University Council’s commitment to ensuring efficient, transparent, and accountable implementation of the project.

Representing Safaricom PLC, Mr. Jackson Mutua, General Manager – Coast/Eastern Region, reaffirmed the M-PESA Foundation’s commitment to transforming lives through investments in education, health, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment. He noted that the Foundation continues to support initiatives that prepare young people for the future of work by equipping them with technical, digital, entrepreneurial, and employability skills through programmes such as Wezesha Vijana TVET.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Mr. George Marete, a member of the University Council, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening TVET as a key driver of Kenya’s socio-economic transformation. He commended Machakos University for securing the partnership, noting that the Smart TVET Centre complements national efforts to expand competency-based education, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.

Once completed, the Smart TVET Centre will serve as a regional centre of excellence for technical skills development, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. It is expected to enhance graduate employability, strengthen industry linkages, and contribute significantly to Kenya’s vision of building a highly skilled workforce for sustainable economic growth. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in Machakos University’s pursuit of excellence in technical and vocational education. Through its partnership with the M-PESAFoundation and Safaricom PLC, the University continues to invest in transformative initiatives that empower learners, foster innovation, and co-create sustainable futures.