The Rift Valley National Polytechnic, formerly Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST), has secured partnerships with select companies in the UK and Israel to address the skills gap among students by ensuring that they spend a substantial portion of their training in industry settings.
Principal Sammy Chemoiwa said that approximately 30 per cent of their training will be devoted to hands-on experience in both countries.
He said that the first cohort of five students will embark on a 3-month industrial attachment programme in various UK industries, while two others will participate in a year-long internship programme in Israel.
Chemoiwo emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborative ties between the institution and the private sector locally and internationally, because it is a crucial catalyst for socio-economic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Jobs and Economic Growth).
He also highlighted the potential of these partnerships to expose students to the real-world dynamics of industry and business stressing that this close link between enterprises and training centers has been fundamental to the economic success of Western countries since the 19th century.
The Principal noted that the private sector contributes to over 70% of formal employment opportunities but regretted that there has often been a disconnection between the skills taught in technical and vocational colleges and the needs of employers.
He revealed that the institution is one of the 13 technical and vocational colleges recently elevated to national polytechnic status after a cabinet meeting held at Kakamega State Lodge chaired by President William Ruto.
Other institutions that received the elevation include; Masai Technical Training Institute, Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology, Coast Institute of Technology, Tseikuru Technical and Training College, Sang’alo Institute of Science and Technology, Isiolo Technical Vocational College, Jeremiah Nyagah Technical Training Institute, Mawego Technical Training Institute and Baringo Technical Training Institute.
These transformations come as the national government introduces new technical and vocational courses aligned to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) policy framework. The overarching goal is to better prepare students for the demands of the job market, fostering a more prosperous future.
By Viola Chepkemoi
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