NYERI Governor Nderitu Gachagua has warned institutions of higher learning from grabbing land that belongs to youth polytechnics.

Gachagua on Saturday said public universities that are planning to expand are encroaching into land owned by the polytechnics.

"My government is working closely with the national government to ensure that the management of the polytechnics gets full support," he said.

Gachagua lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for promising to increase the proportion of public contracts reserved for the youth to help create job opportunities.

The governor was speaking during the launch of the strategic plan of Gachika youth polytechnic in Nyeri.

Gachagua promised to give the institution with Sh500,000, saying Nyeri will soon become a centre of technical education in Kenya.

"In the next five years, other counties will be coming to this county to source for professionals. These polytechnics are not meant for class eight dropouts but everyone who wants to learn practical courses," the governor said.

He said his government will ensure enrollment to polytechnics increase from 3,800 to 10,000 students.