Entrepreneurial Skills Development and Job Creation Among Kabete National Polytechnic Graduates, Kenya

This study investigated the effectiveness of entrepreneurial skills development and job creation among Kabete National Polytechnic graduates. Experiential Learning Theory guided the study. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research design were used as a foundation for the research data collection. The study targeted 500 graduates and five HODs. Sample size was 227 respondents (222 graduates and five HODs). Questionnaire and interview guide was used to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques with the help of SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically from transcribed interviews. Findings revealed that job creation among Kabete National Polytechnic graduates is driven by a combination of curriculum relevance, entrepreneurial competence, industry engagement, and technology integration. Findings from the study revealed that, a majority of the respondents 87 (42.9%) agreed and 40 (19.7%) strongly agreed that the training consistently encouraged students to take initiative in business ventures. On whether the curriculum regularly fostered creativity in developing business solutions, 74 (36.5%) agreed and 41 (20.2%) strongly agreed. A majority, 85 (41.9%) agreed and 55 (27.1%) strongly agreed that the training motivated them to pursue self-employment. The study concluded that, entrepreneurial skills were so influential in equipping graduates with the capacity to generate self-employment and create opportunities for others, though sustainability challenges remained due to external constraints such as limited capital and market access. To strengthen curriculum alignment, Kabete National Polytechnic should institutionalize regular curriculum review cycles that involve industry stakeholders, alumni, and labor market experts. To enhance entrepreneurial skills development, the institution should establish structured entrepreneurship support systems, including business incubation centers, mentorship programs, market linkage initiatives, and access to seed funding opportunities. Key words: Entrepreneurial Skills, Development, Job Creation, Graduates