Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) recently held a three day open day exhibition event themed TVET: ‘The Driving Wheel of the Bottom-up model for Socio-Economic Renaissance in Kenya.’
The event offered the general public and high school students an opportunity to see some of the innovations the institute’s trainees have come up with under the guidance of their trainers.
The institute’s Principal Sammy Kamau said the exhibition gave secondary school students an opportunity to gain knowledge and choose courses they want to pursue post high school.
“Through the career and job fair, the trainees talked to experienced professionals to know what to expect in different career fields,” he said, adding that the career fair has introduced students to industry leaders who will advise them on alternative career paths they might not have thought about previously.
He added that the event also helped the public to embrace the institute and get to know what trainees do.
“The event has innovation exhibition, skills competitions amongst the trainees, career and job fair as well as plenary sessions geared at solving societal challenges relating to health, water, education, agriculture, communication, security, environment and entrepreneurship among others,” Kamau said.
He noted with pride that the institute’s trainees have acquired skills to generate solutions to some of the real problems that exist in the society.
“A good number of the innovations have focussed on manufacturing with the aim being on automating the Micro Enterprises (SMEs) processes,” Kamau said, adding that the trainees use the training received to enhance creativity, encourage collaboration and promote diversity.
Kamau said the institute will hold its 3rd International Research Conference between 14th to 16th June, 2023.
“The conference will provide a unique platform for knowledge sharing, reflection as well as provide the importance of cultivating skills learnt in TVET institutions which are relevant to nation building and long-term economic growth in the country and globally,” he noted.
He added that the research conference will provide researchers with an opportunity to sharpen their research skills and create more networks in multi-disciplinary and internationally respected research consortia to undertake cutting edge research, generate new knowledge and create wealth.
Kiambu MP Machua Waithaka promised to use NG-CDF funds to pay fees to applicants who want to pursue short courses at KIST.
“We’re encouraging those who didn’t attain university grades to take up technical courses at KIST where we will pay their fees for short courses,” Waithaka said.
He promised to work closely with TVET institutions in Kiambu to have annual career day events where trainees can showcase their innovations to the public.
He expressed satisfaction about the innovations the trainees have made and promised to look for well-wishers and donors to fund the innovations.
He noted that the career day provided an opportunity for high school students to gain confidence in themselves after knowing that there are many career paths one can opt for if they fail to attain university entry grades.
He encouraged the youth to join TVET institutions, adding further that the government provides capitation and loans to help them study.
Nyambura Kihara, a resident, said the exhibition had empowered her as she had become more knowledgeable on courses that can financially empower the youth.
“What the trainees are doing is very impressive as they can employ themselves rather than waiting for white collar jobs,” Nyambura said
Eunice Wangui, a student at Loreto High School Kiambu, said that through the exhibitions displayed, she learnt that women are also pursuing courses in fields perceived to be male dominated.
She went on to add that she had learnt that KIST has courses that can empower students who do not qualify for direct university admission.
By Felix Wanderi
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