Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar Presides Over 62nd Railway Training Institute Graduation Ceremony

The Principal Secretary for Transport, Mohamed Daghar, CBS, today presided over the 62nd Graduation Ceremony of the Railway Training Institute (RTI), where he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in skills development as the foundation for a modern, efficient and globally competitive transport sector.

The ceremony celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025/2026 and coincided with two historic milestones: the Railway Training Institute’s 70th Anniversary and the commemoration of 130 years since the commencement of railway development in Kenya.

Addressing graduands, parents, faculty, industry stakeholders and invited guests, the Principal Secretary congratulated the graduates for successfully completing their studies and commended their resilience, commitment and determination.

He noted that the twin anniversaries underscore the critical role that both Kenya Railways and the Railway Training Institute have played in supporting national development through investment in infrastructure and human capital.

The Principal Secretary observed that the Government continues to prioritise Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) to ensure graduates acquire industry-relevant skills that enhance employability, innovation and entrepreneurship. He lauded RTI for aligning its academic programmes with the evolving needs of the railway, logistics, maritime, engineering and transport sectors.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, the Principal Secretary toured the institute’s innovation and training exhibition, where he interacted with students and faculty while viewing a range of practical projects developed by the graduands. Among the exhibits were a Mechanical Hydraulic System Kit, a Mechanical Petrol Engine Training Kit, projects from the Civil Engineering Unit, and several other engineering and technical innovations that demonstrated the students’ practical competencies and the institution’s strong emphasis on hands-on, industry-oriented training.

He further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya Railways following its transition into a Government-Owned Enterprise under the Government-Owned Enterprises Act, 2025, noting that the success of these institutional reforms will depend not only on infrastructure investment but also on the availability of a highly skilled workforce capable of operating and managing modern transport systems.

The Principal Secretary highlighted ongoing investments in the modernisation of railway infrastructure, revitalisation of the Metre Gauge Railway, expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway, development of inland water transport, enhancement of logistics systems and growth of the Blue Economy. He noted that these initiatives will continue creating employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, logisticians, operators and entrepreneurs while positioning Kenya as a leading regional transport and logistics hub.

He encouraged the graduands to embrace lifelong learning, professionalism, innovation and integrity as they enter an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global economy.

Earlier, Kenya Railways Board Chairman Abdi Bare Duale noted that RTI has, for seven decades, produced thousands of professionals serving Kenya, the East African region and the international transport industry. He highlighted ongoing investments aimed at strengthening the institution, including modern learning facilities, engineering workshops, digital student management systems, expanded accommodation facilities and the Marine Safety Training Centre at the Kisumu Campus.

The Chairman observed that the continued expansion of railway services, commuter rail systems, logistics and maritime transport presents growing opportunities for skilled professionals and reaffirmed the Kenya Railways Board’s commitment to supporting RTI as a regional centre of excellence in transport education and training.

The graduation ceremony concluded with the conferment of certificates and diplomas to the Class of 2025/2026, marking the beginning of their professional journey as the next generation of transport and logistics professionals who will contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.