There is need to strengthen industry and academia partnerships in order to equip University students with the competencies necessary for success in the modern job market, education experts have advised.
Consequently, Egerton University has hosted a career fair towards offering a platform for its students to explore career opportunities by broadening their skills and knowledge and connecting them with industry professionals.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage said that the platform offered the University students an opportunity to network with potential employers, gain career insights, and enhance their employability skills.
The Vice Chancellor said the event was designed to help students learn and be exposed to the new global technologies, adding that all Kenyan students must embrace every opportunity that exposes them to the realities of local, regional and global job markets and their requirements.
The career fair that attracted top-tier companies, state parastatals, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) featured booths from various State agencies, companies and organizations, where students met with representatives, learnt about job openings, explored career paths that align with their interests and skills, and submitted CVs and job applications.
The fair, themed “Empowering Egerton University students to be future leaders, impacting lives within the labour market,” attracted stakeholders including the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), financial institutions, development agencies and the Nakuru Tourism Association (NTA).
Organizers of the event indicated that bringing on board financial institutions such as Equity Bank, Absa, and Diamond Trust Bank was aimed at both enabling students to scout for job opportunities and encouraging them to look beyond their specific field of study and explore other areas, such as entrepreneurship, to broaden their fiscal skills and knowledge.
Prof. Kibwage said the career fair reflected the university’s commitment to preparing students for the fast-paced world of technology, equipping them with the tools and confidence to take on future challenges.
He noted that through question-and-answer sessions, career mentorship initiatives and networking opportunities, State corporations, companies and institutions at the event provided a forum that was aimed at bridging the gap between education and the job market.
The VC emphasized the significance of such forums in enhancing student employability and expressed appreciation to participating organizations for their role in offering internships and mentorship to Egerton students.
Head of the University’s Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization (DMRM) Prof. Nzula Kitaka said that it was through such linkages provided by the career fair that learning institutions would ensure that their curriculum remains relevant, their graduates become competitive, and Kenyan industries remain innovative.
Prof. Kitaka noted that the career fair was about bringing the world of work closer to Kenyan students and enabling them to visualize their future with clarity.
The Director affirmed that Egerton University recognized the need to strengthen industry-academia partnerships in order to equip its students with the competencies necessary for success in the modern workplace.
Prof. Kitaka said the university will continue to champion skills development, industry collaborations and innovative solutions to build a stronger and more resilient workforce and called for joint efforts from all stakeholders to create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
The Director of Career Advisory, Prof. Agnes Nkurumwa, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student development and career readiness, adding that her office was actively putting up structures to ensure that the students received the best services in career guidance and placement.
By Esther Mwangi
