East Africa’s digital economy is expanding quickly, and businesses are under pressure to keep up. They need people who can design, code, film, animate, and solve problems. For a long time, many graduates left training institutions without the practical skills needed to step straight into this kind of work.
Rashid Lizangari studied Information Communication Technology at The Meru National Polytechnic, where he built a solid technical foundation. A turning point came when he was selected for the EASTRIP exchange programme. The placement took him to the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology in Tanzania, where his training moved beyond general ICT into specialised areas such as 3D modelling, animation, and film technology. Working with advanced equipment and learning in a production-focused environment gave him a new way of thinking about technology and creativity.
Back in Kenya, Rashid chose not to let those skills sit idle. He started Zangtics Digital, an IT and film production company that supports businesses with software development, digital marketing, graphic design, and professional video production. The focus has always been practical, helping clients communicate clearly, reach audiences, and use digital tools more effectively.
The quality of his work opened doors. Meru National Polytechnic later brought him on board as an IT Officer and Studio Custodian, placing him in charge of the institution’s TV and media production studio. Today, he produces documentaries and promotional content for the polytechnic while mentoring students who are learning the same skills he once struggled to access. In many ways, he has come full circle, training others in the very spaces that shaped his own career.
What is happening at Meru National Polytechnic reflects a broader pattern seen among EASTRIP-supported graduates. Many are finding employment quickly, while others are building small but growing enterprises. Employers often note that these graduates adjust easily to workplace demands because they have already worked with real equipment and real deadlines.
Dr Mutembei Kigige, Chief Principal of Meru National Polytechnic, points to the EASTRIP-supported TV studio as a major contributor to this progress. He notes that the recent “triple triumph” at the Kenya National Drama Festivals—achieved by trainees guided by officers like Rashid—demonstrates how practical training translates into results. In his view, the graduates are not simply ready for industry; they are already raising standards.
Rashid Lizangari’s path, from ICT student to company founder and institutional technical staff, offers clear evidence of what demand-driven training can achieve. By aligning learning with actual market needs, institutions such as Meru National Polytechnic are helping young people move beyond certificates and into meaningful careers.
For anyone looking to see what this kind of training produces in practice, Rashid’s work speaks for itself. His portfolio is available at https://zangticsdigital.com, with additional work shared through the company’s Facebook page. His story shows what happens when opportunity meets preparation and why East Africa’s young professionals are well placed to shape the region’s digital future.
By Davids Maingi, Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Meru Polytechnic
