A technical training institute is being built in Tseikuru district at a cost of Sh3.5 billion Higher Education, Science and Technology minister Margaret Kamar said the institute will offer diploma courses aimed at producing personnel with skills key for development.

Kamar said the institute, which will be on 100 acres, will teach building and civil engineering, electronic and mechanical engineering as well as ICT.

The graduates from the college will fit into the local and international job markets, the minister said. "The agenda of the government through my ministry is to build such institutes in every county in line with Vision 2030. Form four education has become so basic that we have to invest in higher education that will turn the economy of this country around," Kamar said.

She was speaking on Thursday during the laying of the proposed college's foundation. She was with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka who is the area MP. Agriculture assistant minister Kareke Mbiuki and Kitui South MP Isaac Muoki also attended. The minister said the government has disbursed Sh88 million for phase one of the project.

Kalonzo said the institute will admit students from within and outside the region. "This is a commitment from the government that we are serious in investing in our young people. The world is changing so fast that as a country we cannot afford to be left behind," Kalonzo said.

He said the success of the project will attract enormous development to the area and called on the residents to support it. Moi University is also putting up a constituent college in Kalonzo's constituency.