RTI Celebrates 70th Anniversary with 1,135 Graduates as Kenya Railways Marks 130 Years
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10 – The Railways Training Institute (RTI) celebrated its 62nd graduation ceremony, a historic milestone that coincided with the institution’s 70th anniversary. The colourful ceremony honored 1,135 graduates from the class of 2025/2026, injecting a fresh cohort of skilled professionals who successfully completed various certificate and diploma programs into the region’s rapidly evolving transport and logistics sectors.
Anchored by the theme “Seven Decades of Excellence in Railway Training for the Future,” The ceremony held on Thursday 9th July 2026 at Nairobi campus brought together graduates, parents, faculty members, government officials, industry stakeholders and distinguished guests to honour the achievements highlighting institution’s long-standing role as a cornerstone of technical education in East Africa.
For over seventy years, RTI has remained a centre of excellence in technical education, producing highly skilled professionals who have supported the growth of Kenya’s transport, logistics, maritime and related sectors and continue e to serve with distinction across East African region and internationally.
Speaking during the ceremony, Principal Secretary State department for Transport Mohamed Daghar congratulated the graduates for their outstanding performance commending their hard work and dedication and also Kenya Railways as it commemorates 130 years since the commencement of railway development in Kenya in 1896.
He said sustainable national development is built not only through investment in infrastructure but also through investment in people.
“The progress of our transport sector over the years has been made possible by generations of skilled professionals whose expertise has supported economic growth, trade, mobility and regional integration”, said PS Daghar.
As the human capital development arm of Kenya Railways, RTI plays a vital role in preparing the technical, operational and managerial talent required to support a modern, innovative and commercially driven railway enterprise.
Additionally, PS Daghar highlighted that as the railway sector evolves to meet these new expectations and opportunities, the demand for skilled, innovative and globally competitive professionals will continue to grow.
RTI is therefore uniquely positioned to develop the workforce that will support the continued growth of rail, logistics, maritime transport, engineering, information technology and related disciplines in Kenya and across the region.
“The graduands we celebrate today represent the very talent that will help power this transformation and shape the future of transport in our country, At the heart of these reforms and investments is the Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for Kenyans, particularly our young people through continued investment in transport infrastructure, logistics systems, the Blue Economy and skills development”, He stated.
He added that The Government remains firmly committed to investing in education, skills development and human capital as key drivers of socio-economic transformation.
“To compete effectively in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world, Kenya requires graduates who possess practical skills, technical competence, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.”
Moreover, Daghar noted that the expansion of railway services, modernization of transport networks and growth of logistics and maritime industries will create demand for a wide range of professionals, technicians, artisans, operators and entrepreneurs.
He reaffirmed Government’s continued support in initiatives that strengthen technical and vocational education, promote industry-academia collaboration, encourage research and innovation, and expand opportunities for practical training and workplace experience.
“As we prepare young people for the future, we must equip them not only with technical competencies but also with critical thinking, adaptability, digital literacy, leadership and problem-solving skills”.
“I am particularly encouraged by RTI’s continued expansion into marine transport and logistics training. By developing the skilled workforce required in these areas, RTI is making an important contribution towards supporting Kenya’s long-term economic ambitions”.
“Graduands,Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Your education is not merely a personal achievement; it is an investment in the future of our nation”.
The Government’s investment in education, infrastructure and skills development is ultimately an investment in you the young men and women who will drive innovation, create enterprises, provide essential services and contribute to Kenya’s economic transformation.
“The world you are entering is dynamic, competitive and constantly evolving. Success will require continuous learning, adaptability, professionalism and integrity. I encourage you to be innovators, problem-solvers and responsible citizens who use your talents to create value and improve society”.
“As we celebrate this graduation ceremony, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to investing in education, skills development and human capital as the foundation of Kenya’s future prosperity.”
“I am confident that the Railway Training Institute will continue to strengthen its position as a leading centre of excellence in railway, marine transport, logistics and related disciplines, serving not only Kenya but the wider region and continent”.
Kenya Railways Board chairman, Mr Abdi Bare Duale in his remarks said the history of Kenya Railways and RTI are deeply intertwined as for many years, RTI served as the primary training institution for Kenya Railways personnel, playing a pivotal role in developing the skilled workforce that has sustained the Corporation’s operations and growth across generations.
“This strong culture of training and professional development contributed significantly to operational excellence, safety, innovation and service delivery within the railway sector”, said Mr. Bare Duale.
The Board noted that it recognizes the strategic role that RTI continues to play in developing the skilled workforce required to support the future growth of rail, logistics and maritime transport in Kenya and the region.
Working closely with the RTI Board of Governors and Management, and in line with the strategic direction approved by the Kenya Railways Board, several transformative initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen the Institute’s capacity and enhance the quality of training including modernization of learning facilities, construction of a modern library, development of the Engineering Block, enhancement of security infrastructure, rehabilitation of internal roads, implementation of digital student management systems and establishment of modern engineering workshops.
The successful implementation of Phase One of the Kisumu Campus Master Plan with support from the World Bank, has also significantly enhanced RTI’s capacity through the development of conference facilities, student hostels, executive accommodation and a Marine Safety Training.
“As members of the Class of 2026, you will forever be remembered as the cohort that graduated during RTI’s 70th Anniversary celebrations and during the year Kenya Railways marked 130 years of railway”, added Mr. Bare.
“To our Graduands, congratulations. Your dedication, resilience, and determination have brought you to this important achievement. You have acquired not only technical competencies but also discipline, professionalism, and values that will enable you to contribute meaningfully to our country’s development”, said RTI Chairperson, Board of Governors, Ms. Mercy Cherongis.
Director, Railway Training Institute CHRP, Asava Kadima on his part said “To the Class of 2026, you sit before me today not merely as students who have passed their examinations, but as individuals who have conquered the internal trials of rigorous preparation. You arrived at our gates with ambition and today you depart with character”.
“The certificates and diplomas you hold are not merely paper credentials, they are quiet contracts of trust between you and the society that awaits your labor.”
“You leave here as the living ambassadors of the Railway Training Institute, Be problem-solvers. Be innovators. Be leaders who contribute positively to society and help shape the future of transport, logistics and infrastructure development in Kenya and beyond”.
