The Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) has today marked a historic milestone in Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector by hosting its First International Conference on Research, Innovation, Science and Technology (ICRIST–1), positioning the institution as an emerging hub of applied research and global academic engagement.
The landmark event, is being held under the theme ‘Harnessing Research, Innovation, and Technology for Sustainable Economic Development and Youth Empowerment’, has brought together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and students from across Africa and beyond.
The conference underscores a shifting narrative — that TVET institutions are not merely training centers but engines of innovation, enterprise, and socio-economic transformation.
Research and Development Coordinator Ferdinand Opondo describes the response to the inaugural conference as ‘overwhelming.’
This follows a vigorous preparation for ICRIST–1 which began in July 2025 with a call for abstracts. By the close of submissions, the institution had received 91 abstracts alongside full research papers — a remarkable turnout for a first-time international conference.
“We have also had about 35 students and institutions register for the innovation contest, and several institutions sign up for the skills competition across 12 different skill areas,” Opondo noted. “Additionally, 12 to 13 industries have confirmed participation in exhibitions, forming a key pillar of this conference.”
The event featuring keynote addresses, plenary sessions, thematic presentations, exhibitions, innovation showcases, and panel discussions aligned to six major subthemes: digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, health innovation, education reform, green engineering, and socio-cultural development.
Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary in the State Department for TVET, speaking during the event, termed the conference as a bold declaration that Kenya’s TVET institutions are rising to occupy their rightful place in the global innovation ecosystem.
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She emphasizes that the conference theme aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, reinforcing the country’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and sustainable industrial growth.
“For a long time, TVET institutions were underestimated,” she said. “Today, this narrative has changed. TVET graduates are leading in manufacturing, digital innovation, agribusiness, creative industries, and emerging technologies.”
Dr. Muoria highlights ongoing reforms including the full rollout of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), modular programs, micro-credentials, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) frameworks — all aimed at making skills training more responsive to labor market needs.
She reaffirms government commitment to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems within TVET institutions.
Despite the milestone, Opondo acknowledges persistent challenges, particularly limited funding for research within the TVET sub-sector.
“Research in TVET has often been left behind, with greater focus placed on universities,” he said. “Many promising student prototypes and innovative ideas stall at early stages due to lack of adequate funding.”
He urges both government and development partners to invest more in applied research at the technical training level, noting that TVET institutions produce highly innovative and entrepreneurial learners capable of delivering practical community solutions.
During the event various research studies were presented. Among the notable presentations is a groundbreaking study by Nathaniel Karanja and Adams Yakini on decentralized renewable microgrids for rural Kenya. Their research demonstrates how adaptive virtual inertia control significantly improves frequency stability in renewable-dominant microgrids, offering scalable solutions for rural electrification.
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Another compelling study by Moses Njogu evaluated bio-based cutting fluids as sustainable alternatives to mineral oil lubricants in mechanical engineering workshops. The findings shows improved environmental safety, reduced health risks, and cost-effectiveness — reinforcing the conference’s green skills agenda.
These applied research projects exemplifies the conference’s core mission: translating academic inquiry into practical, scalable solutions for communities.
According to the Organisers, a major highlight of ICRIST–1 is the strong industry presence. More than a dozen companies are participating in exhibitions, creating direct linkages between trainees and potential employers.
The skills competitions across 12 trade areas and innovation contests provides students with a platform to demonstrate competence under real-world conditions — reinforcing the CBET philosophy of hands-on, industry-aligned training.
According to organizers, the interaction between students, industry leaders, and policymakers is expected to foster internships, research collaborations, commercialization opportunities, and future employment pathways.
Michuki Chief Principal Anne Mbogo described the conference as a defining chapter in the institution’s evolution, coming one year after its elevation to national polytechnic status and as it celebrates 70 years of TVET excellence since 1956.
Elijah Mwangi, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports also lauded the event as a demonstration of youth creativity and institutional leadership.
“The true measure of this conference will be seen in the enterprises launched, partnerships sustained, and innovations brought to life,” he remarked.
As the conference rolls out innovations, organizers have announced plans to institutionalize it as a premier biannual international conference, expanding global collaborations and strengthening research incubation ecosystems within the TVET space.
By Felix Wanderi
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