President William Ruto’s cabinet on Thursday, November 14, upgraded several institutions to National Polytechnic. They include the Michuki Technical Training Institute, Mitunguu Technical Training Institute, Ol’ lessos Technical Training Institute, Nairobi Technical Training Institute and Friends College of Research and Tech.
Michuki Technical Training Institute is a public technical and vocational institute. The training centre is located in Murang’a county, Kangema sub-county.
Moreover, the institute is committed to providing quality Technical, Industrial, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training, using appropriate technology to empower its trainees for individual development and global competitiveness.
Mitunguu Technical Training Institute rests on a 52-acre land. It prides itself on postmodern infrastructure and highly qualified staff. It is a centre of excellence in Information Communication Technology (ICT). It offers diploma, craft, artisan and Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) courses.
Also Read: The Role of Higher Learning Institutions in Africa’s Development
Other Institutes Upgraded to National Polytechnics
Ol’lessos Technical Training Institute (OTTI) is a middle-level college sponsored by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and is located along the Kapsabet – Nabkoi road, in Nandi County. Its inception and growth of OTTI dates back to 1975 when the local community of Lessos had a vision of having a Technical Secondary School.
The institute offers courses such as artisans, craft certificates, diplomas, and other short programs.
Nairobi Technical Training Institute is leading in Globally Competitive Training in Technical, Vocational, Innovation and Research. To develop highly skilled graduates in Technical, Vocational, Innovation, Business and Research for the global market.
Moreover, the Institute derives its history back to the year 1951 when it started as a “Modern High School” catering predominantly to the Asian community residing in the neighbourhood.
Although it was a secondary school, the curriculum offered at the time was focused on the development of vocational skills, particularly in Mechanical Engineering, Carpentry, and Joinery.
In 1953, the school was renamed Technical High School, and the Cambridge School Certificate Examination was first administered in 1954.
Following independence in 1964, the school became open to students of all races. The curriculum continued to prioritize Technical Education and was expanded to include additional fields such as Plant Mechanics, Woodwork, Electrical, and Motor Vehicle Mechanics. Both ‘O’ and ‘A’ level classes were offered.
Also Read: Africa’s Higher Education and Why Reforms Are Needed
Friends College of Research and Tech
Friends College of Research and Tech is an institute of research and technology.
The college is located in Vihiga County, Western Region of Kenya within the Kaimosi Mission Complex along the Kisumu – Chavakali – Kapsabet – Eldoret road.
It offers a variety of courses, including a Diploma in Accountancy, a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, and a Certificate in Supply Chain Management among others.
The upgrading of the above institutions to national polytechnics aims at improving training. It will also help in filling the skills gap in the job market.
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