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Kitale National Polytechnic made a notable mark at the 6th PASET (Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology) forum, which commenced on Tuesday. The three-day event, themed “Leveraging TVET in the Knowledge and Skills Ecosystem for Africa’s Industrialization,” saw the participation of the polytechnic, highlighting its pivotal role in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya.
The forum was officially inaugurated by Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wycliff Musalia Mudavadi, representing His Excellency the President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
Chief Principal John Akola of Kitale National Polytechnic shared insights on the institution’s significant contributions to TVET and its commitment to fostering innovation in various sectors.
Innovative Solutions for Healthcare
One of the standout initiatives by Kitale National Polytechnic is the development of a remote patient monitoring system. This groundbreaking innovation allows patients to be monitored from the comfort of their homes. Vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate are tested and relayed to community health workers. This real-time data enables timely advice and interventions, ensuring better healthcare outcomes.
Recognition of Informal Sector Skills
Recognizing the valuable skills within Kenya’s informal sector, the polytechnic has been accredited by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority to offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This initiative aims to certify the skills of individuals in areas like electrical work, mechanical work, welding, and fabrication. The polytechnic invites the Jua Kali sector to engage with them for skill assessment and certification.
Partnerships for Agricultural Excellence
Kitale National Polytechnic stands as a Center of Excellence in Agriculture. The institution has forged partnerships with donor countries such as Canada and Germany to innovate and enhance agricultural practices. These collaborations aim to make agriculture more productive and cost-effective, paving the way for sustainable growth in the sector.
Addressing Skills Mismatch
To bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, the polytechnic has adopted a dual system of training. This approach combines classroom education with hands-on industry experience, ensuring that students are well-equipped with practical skills. Additionally, the institution focuses on competency-based training to align student learning with industry needs, addressing the longstanding issue of skills mismatch.
Chief Principal John Akola expressed optimism about the future of Kitale National Polytechnic, envisioning it as a powerhouse in agricultural machinery and mechatronics in Kenya. With ongoing initiatives and partnerships, the polytechnic aims to continue its journey of excellence in TVET, contributing significantly to Kenya’s industrialization and economic growth.
The active participation of Kitale National Polytechnic in the 6th PASET forum underscores its commitment to driving innovation, recognizing skills, and shaping the future of TVET in Kenya.
