There was pomp and colour at St. Paul’s Kibabii Diploma Teachers Training College in Bungoma as the institution held its 16th graduation ceremony in a lively event presided over by Governor Ken Makelo Lusaka of Bungoma County.
Officials from the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, teachers, parents and the graduands attended the ceremony.
Speaking during the function, Governor Lusaka thanked the college administration, led by the Board of Management chairperson Prof. Simiyu Wandibba and Senior Principal Mr. Godfrey Machanji, for inviting him to preside over the ceremony as the chief guest.
He noted that the success of the graduands was not only personal but also a reflection of the progress of Bungoma County and the nation. He praised the 2025 graduating class and described the curriculum as one that places strong emphasis on the learner.
As the pioneer cohort of the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education under the competency-based education curriculum, he urged them to be agents of change in the classrooms they will serve.
The governor commended Principal Machanji for the professional work he has done in a short time, saying the college had made significant progress barely three months after he took over leadership.
He also praised the Board of Management for its steady stewardship and for ensuring that the college continues to shine both in Bungoma and across the country.
Lusaka reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening education. He encouraged the graduands to carry the college’s values with them, reminding them that integrity and quality service will define their legacy.
The governor acknowledged several challenges the college faces, including poor network connectivity, shortages in infrastructure and an ageing fleet. He promised to push for external support to help the college address these issues.
Prof. Simiyu Wandibba, the Board of Management chair, thanked the graduands and all those who attended the 16th graduation ceremony. He reminded the graduands that teaching is not just a career but a calling, and urged them to be good ambassadors of the college.
He thanked parents for their support and for choosing Kibabii Diploma Teachers Training College for their sons and daughters. He encouraged the graduands to lead with integrity and inspire with purpose as they join the job market. He further reminded them that every child they will teach carries a future worth guiding.
Mr. Willy Koros, the TSC Regional Director for Western, who represented the Commission’s CEO Mrs. Eveleen Mitei, congratulated the graduands for their achievements. He noted that they were pioneers of the competency-based education curriculum, which aims to transform learning for Kenyan children.
He encouraged the graduands to embrace change, remain open-minded and be ready to adapt to the evolving needs of the world. He praised the college for being at the forefront of promoting the new curriculum. While acknowledging the milestones of the 8-4-4 system, he said CBE would address key gaps in education.
Koros urged the graduands to inspire their learners, apply the skills they have been equipped with and empower children through critical thinking. He thanked parents for choosing Kibabii and assured them that the commission would employ the graduates when opportunities arise. He also encouraged the graduands to engage in productive activities as they await formal employment.
He promised to address the shortage of teachers in line with the needs of heads of institutions and assured the gathering that he would brief the TSC CEO on concerns raised during the ceremony.
Senior Principal Mr. Godfrey Machanji thanked the attendees for turning up for the college’s big day. He described the ceremony as unique under the competency-based education framework and welcomed everyone to witness what he termed a historic moment.
He announced that 100 graduands were being presented after three years of rigorous training and preparation. He expressed confidence that the college had adequately equipped them for their profession. He also thanked the trainers for their dedication and the parents for supporting the college through fee payment.
Mr. Machanji appreciated the Catholic Church for its spiritual guidance and other religious groups, such as CITAM and Jamia Mosque, for offering scholarships to learners. He also praised his predecessors for laying a strong foundation for the college.
He highlighted several challenges facing the college, including a shortage of teachers, inadequate logistics due to an ageing fleet, the need for an ultra-modern laboratory and poor network connectivity. He reminded the graduands that their success was a testament to their resilience and urged them to make a meaningful impact on every child they teach.
Several students were also recognised for outstanding performance in academic disciplines, teaching practice, sports and leadership.
Kibabii Diploma Teachers Training College remains one of the premier diploma-level teacher training institutions in Kenya, thanks to deliberate efforts and leadership under Senior Principal Mr. Godfrey Machanji.
