Matili Technical Training Institute marks steady rise with academic and sporting excellence

Matili Technical Training Institute has emerged as one of Kenya’s most rapidly advancing centres of vocational training, following years of deliberate investment in leadership, infrastructure and programme expansion.

When Principal Judith Sande took over in 2018, the institution had just 300 trainees. Today, Matili hosts more than 10,000 students, a dramatic rise that signals its successful turnaround and strengthened institutional systems.

The institute held its first graduation in 2020, a milestone that symbolised its shift from a small training centre to a regional leader in skills development.

Much of this progress has been attributed to the firm stewardship of the Board of Governors, chaired by respected academic Prof. Okumu Bigambo. Under his guidance, the board has prioritised quality assurance, prudent management and expansion of market-responsive programmes.

Their efforts paid off in the 2023/2024 Performance Management Index, where Matili emerged the best institution in the region and the second best-managed TVET institute in Kenya.

Driven by a focus on relevance and employability, Matili has significantly expanded its academic portfolio, introducing skills-based programmes that reflect emerging industry needs. This shift has positioned the institute as a reliable producer of technically skilled graduates.

A vibrant and structured student leadership system has further contributed to the institute’s stability, fostering discipline, representation and active co-curricular engagement.

Matili’s excellence extends beyond the classroom. The institute has built a strong reputation in sports and recreation, consistently producing competitive teams across various disciplines.

Its football teams feature prominently on the national stage, while the handball team currently holds the TVET national championship title.

The men’s hockey team has also registered impressive national performances, reinforcing Matili’s status as a sporting powerhouse.

Academically, the institute stands out as a Centre of Excellence in Mechanical Engineering, equipped with modern training workshops and industry-standard machinery that give trainees hands-on, practical exposure.

With its robust leadership, expanding student population and a growing list of national accolades, Matili Technical Training Institute continues to climb, shaping a new generation of skilled, confident and industry-ready professionals.