Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) Principal, Sammy Chemoiwa, has been awarded a Gold Medal on Leadership and Diversity in the just concluded World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) 2023 Awards in Montreal, Canada.
The Principal is the first Kenyan to win the prestigious WFCP Gold awards both on individual and earning his institution accolades to be on top of the world.
RVIST which was among finalist in various categories with Kenyan Institutions namely; Nairobi Technical and Kenya School of Technical and Vocational Education and Training managed to bring home Gold medal on Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs ) while the two institutes bagged Bronze medals.
Former Principal RVIST Dr. Dan Mutai, a Bronze medalist WFCP 2022 in Basque region, Spain scooped Silver award on Lifetime Achievement Award in the much envied awards.
Speaking to Education News, elated RVIST Principal said the gesture was an honor to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for exemplary role in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Leadership in Diversity as well as policy implementation.
The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Chairman noted that being recognized at WFCP level and on top of the world was a result milestone achievement realized when he served technical institutions namely Kaiboi, Emining, Bureti and RVIST for the last 31 years in different capacities.
“I dedicate TVET institutions for their participation in activities on Sustainable Development Goals, particularly their integral part in research. Collaboration with reputable research institutes especially in areas related trends in climate change and utilizing food sustainability,’’ said Chemoiwa.
Chemoiwa who is also a member of Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) headquartered in Nairobi hinted that his extend in community activities like training farmers and sponsoring them has made significant role in inclusivity.
He said community activities; mentorship programmes and personal (family) attributions, community based organization like Maa Trust and Baringo have led to his successful journey to be recognized in the global arena.
His strengths in the institution are evident arising from transformations achieved in line with technical sector Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which the institute boast among spearheads in the country and now internationally.
Kenya is among parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) that was convened in Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el –Sheikh to establish and operationalize a loss and damage fund to mitigate reeling impacts brought by adverse effects of climate change.
Chemoiwa said inclusivity component during his career had allowed workers from the institution have chance to study regardless of their historical financial challenges, humble backgrounds and later became successful in life.
He said his undying spirit nurturing leaders notably Principals during his career at the institutions netted him the Leadership and Diversity Award.
The distinguished leader is among key think tanks that have relentlessly played pivotal role in policy implementations.
“Many people have not learnt why they are at school, have no potential or to an extend need rehabilitation. With diversity and inclusivity component I have had support system which has greatly impacted their lives by giving them opportunities to work , study and are now trailblazers in different fields,” Chemoiwa singled out some cases.
He noted that mentorship programs and bringing on board communities together had played integral role leading to success stories in dairy , coffee and goat farming with institutions during his time.
The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Chairman South Rift nonetheless pointed out that RVIST was in tandem with government master plan to combat effects of adverse climate change, now a global threat.
“With our institution being full-fledged and renowned globally, we have engaged Netherlands and France for trainings. Such trainings and internship to overseas students has greatly affirmed our institute is incomparable,’’ Chemoiwa told Education News.
He added that strategic partnership and collaborations with Geothermal Development Company (GDC), KenGen) Company had given opportunities on research, trainings and exchange of knowledge to the institute on renewable energy.
“We however intend to strengthen our quarter by offering online farmers training in pilot countries i.e. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. This will undoubtedly expand our reach and warrant our school a benchmark worldwide,’’ Said the Principal.
Mr. Chemoiwa challenged those in technical world to be vibrant hardworking and inventive for it was a gateway to their attainment.
By Alfred Kimosop
Get more stories from our website: Education News
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
