PS Omollo defends inclusion of Kisumu Polytechnic in textile initiative

The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, has backed the government's move to appoint Kisumu National Polytechnic as the Regional Flagship TVET Institute for Textile Technology (RFTITT).

This designation falls under the Sh1.2 billion Eastern Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).

In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Dr. Omollo emphasized that the choice of institution was both deliberate and well thought out, noting that it aligns with the region’s deep-rooted background in cotton cultivation.

"Kisumu National Polytechnic’s location in the heart of Western Kenya, where cotton once flourished, makes it an ideal centre for textile training and innovation," he said.

"This decision was informed by a combination of historical relevance, technical capacity, and the institution’s proven track record in vocational training."

EASTRIP is a landmark regional initiative supported by the World Bank and overseen by Kenya’s Ministry of Education.

It aims to enhance the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across select East African nations.

In Kenya, five leading institutions have been selected to take part, with Kisumu National Polytechnic at the forefront of the textile manufacturing track.

Dr. Omollo noted that the polytechnic is adopting a modern learning factory model that integrates hands-on industrial experience with academic instruction.

The upcoming textile training centre will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure to support this approach, creating a strong link between education and the demands of the industry.

Academically, the training hub is set to host 20 classrooms, four studio spaces, two computer labs dedicated to textile design, two quality control testing laboratories, two specialized printing rooms, five fully-equipped workshops, and a dedicated room for research and case studies.

The project also emphasizes student and staff well-being. It will include amenities such as a restaurant, amphitheatre, gym, prayer rooms, daycare facilities, and lactation areas.

For accommodation, the facility will provide student hostels with a capacity of 100 beds, along with an additional 100 beds reserved for international exchange students.

"This isn’t just about building infrastructure. It’s about equipping our youth with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive textile industry and transforming Kisumu into a regional centre of excellence," Omollo concluded.