Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Dr. Esther Muoria has asked TVET institutions to pursue modalities for academia/public private partnerships and training with industry players to benefit Kenyan youth.
Muoria said that such developments will propel the industry to identify the market gaps that the institutions should fill through competent training and development of Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) courses to meet the market demands.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) and Isuzu EA Company, Muoria said that the government has ensured the relevant TVET policy to guide the revival of the TVET sector and enable it to adequately provide skilled and employable graduates needed to drive the aspiration for the Kenya Vision 2030.
Isuzu EA is a motor vehicle assembler in East Africa, selling a wide range of Isuzu vehicles that started out from a solid foundation established by the Isuzu brand’s automotive excellence over the last 45 years.
Its principal activity is the production, marketing and sale of Isuzu commercial vehicles and diesel engines.
Muoria said that the Kenyan youth should be encouraged to embrace digital literacy because the government plans to make the country a global powerhouse and promote development of software for export, creating job opportunities for many Kenyans.
“On 2nd March, I joined the Polytechnic in celebrating its 4th Graduation Ceremony where 1,811 graduates were conferred with their certificates and diplomas in various trades to join the world of work and on 3rd March, Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) accredited the Polytechnic as a Qualification Awarding Institution to implement the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Managing Director, Isuzu EA, Ms. Rita Kavashe said that they are obligated to collaborate with education institutions to create customized automotive programs that respond to emerging needs.
Kavashe said the Company’s focus is to grow with their communities sustainably while building experts who will continue to add value to themselves and future generations.
“We chose to partner with KNCP because of the values of innovation, professionalism, diversity, initiative and customer focus that they have proven to have which align with what we value at Isuzu EA,” she said.
Through this partnership, Kavashe assured that the company will give back to the community by creating avenues of learning through attachment opportunities, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the learners while on attachment, a maintenance stipend at the rate agreed by both parties, donation of vehicle parts for training purposes and post-training employment opportunities subject to availability at Isuzu EA.
“I would like to commend the Polytechnic for offering a market-oriented training that equips the students with knowledge and skills for current market needs,” Kavashe said.
The Chief Principal, KCNP, Ms. Mary Muthoka lauded the partnership initiative noting that it is a huge milestone for the institution.
“It is the industry responsibility to collaborate with various education institutions to enhance skills development among students and future talents,” Muthoka said.
The collaboration will empower KCNP students to carry out in-depth, hands-on research and garner insights into the intricacies of technology advanced vehicles. Students will study a wide range of parts, technology, systems, engines, ignition systems, vehicle chassis and body engineering.
By Fatuma Said
