By Yunis Dekow
For nearly six decades, Garissa Village Polytechnic has remained a central institution in shaping technical skills among youth in Garissa County.
Established in 1968 as a village polytechnic, the institution was created to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance.
The institution was renamed to Garissa Youth Polytechnic under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of a 1988 national effort to strengthen vocational training.
Following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, management of village polytechnics was devolved to county governments.
The institution now operates under the Garissa County Government. Over the years, the polytechnic has experienced periods of growth and decline. At one point, enrolment dropped to five students. Renewed government and local community mobilization support revived the centre. restored confidence in vocational education.
The polytechnic plays a vital role in promoting technical and vocational education within Garissa County. The institution provides accessible skills-based education to youth who do not transition to university.
Garissa Polytechnic Driving Technical Education Growth. Photo/ Pool
It focuses on practical competence that has over the years prepared graduates to enter self-employment. Many establish tailoring shops, motor garages, beauty salons, carpentry workshops, electrical service businesses. These enterprises contribute to household income. The ventures stimulate local economic activity. The centre primarily serves youth from Garissa county and surrounding areas.
The institution strengthens community empowerment through market-driven training.The polytechnic offers a range of skill-oriented programmes designed to meet labour market demand.
Courses include tailoring and dressmaking, beauty and hairdressing, welding and fabrication, electrical installation and wiring, motor vehicle mechanics, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and masonry, information and communication technology.
The training at the school integrates theory with practical application. Students from across the region have received hands-on experience in workshops supporting them acquire industry-relevant competencies empowering youth in northern Kenya.
