The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) will host the Africa Tech Challenge from July 24 to August 25, targeting contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire, and Zimbabwe.
Speaking Monday during the Africa Tech Challenge Season Eight launch at Technical University of Kenya, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Esther Muoria said the challenge has been a partnership between the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education since 2010.
“Through this partnership, 154 TVET institutions have been equipped with modern equipment, enabling them to produce graduates with hands-on experience to meet the current labour and industrial demands,” she said.
The PS remarked that the technology challenge marks a pivotal moment in collective pursuit to push the boundaries of human potential, which will create an opportunity to showcase skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities at the intersection of science and technology.
“We live in an age where technology is the driving force behind our progress and innovation; it has revolutionised the world and shaped industries, economies, and connections with one another,” Dr. Muoria said.
She urged the participants to embrace the challenge with an open mind, embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and leverage collaborations as a means to unlock potential because the world needs ideas, creativity and passion for technology to address the emerging and pressing issues facing the country and the entire globe, with a view to shaping a better tomorrow.
“Let us therefore seize this opportunity to be the architects of change, the trailblazers of innovation and the visionaries of a future propelled by technology. Together, we will break barriers, exceed expectations and embark on a journey that will not only inspire us but also challenge us to achieve the extraordinary,” she said.
At the same time, the AVIC representative in Kenya, Ma Changyuan, reiterated that the challenge will focus on the rapidly developing construction industry, notably the design component.
“Contestants will be able to boost design abilities, especially in reading and drafting construction drawings using cutting-edge technology tools and the winners will be awarded internships and job opportunities, among other rewards,” he said.
He added that participants will receive certificates to show their participation and to highlight the skills they learned during the session.
Further, Technical University of Kenya (TUK) acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Shiundu announced that the choice of the facility as the hosting institution was not in vain and should meet every aspect of the expectations, objectives and aspirations.
TUK offers a training path for candidates who have developed through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
He added that the institution will continue to provide leadership in TVET at the apex of technical and vocational education and training.
The aim of the ‘Season 8’ challenge is to ensure that the immense benefits of Technology can be made to endure and thus provide a solid base for the only kind of development in our times that is really worthwhile and sustainable.
“Working together with the AVIC International Holding Corporation, we will all be able to mobilise and bridge our skills and the industry for the benefit of ourselves in technology advancement and also in technology transfer,” Prof. Shiundu said.
For this year’s competition, vocational institutions will create teams of four, with one instructor and three students under the age of 24.
By Peace Muthoka and Rebeccah Maria
