TVET institutes in Kenya supported by the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) emerged the biggest winners at the recently concluded WorldSkills Kenya National Competition, demonstrating the project’s commitment to foster excellence in technical and vocational in East Africa.

Meru National Polytechnic, Kisumu National Polytechnic, Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT), and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) demonstrated their competence in promoting skills development in the region by wining medals across different categories. The various categories included electrical installation, water technology, masonry, textile and design, bricklaying, floor tiling, and cooking.

Winners from TVET Institutes supported by EASTRIP in Kenya with their Principals and Trainers at the recently concluded World Skills Kenya National Skills Competition 

Meru National Polytechnic won the most medals with an impressive haul of three gold medals and one silver medal which underscored the college’s commitment to providing exceptional technical and vocational education to their students. The college is establishing a Regional TVET Centre of Excellence in Building Technology, supported by EASTRIP with funding from the World Bank.

KIHBT, renowned for its industry-relevant training in highway technology, secured two silver medals. Kisumu National Polytechnic, and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, also showcased their technical capacity in fashion and design as well as catering and hospitality management, each winning a silver medal.

The WorldSkills Kenya National Competition, held from August 28th to September 1st, attracted over 150 competitors vying for honours in 18 different skill areas.

EASTRIP, with funding from the World Bank, supported the competition as a sponsor. The support demonstrated EASTRIP’s commitment to enhancing the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education programs in East Africa through various skills competitions. A number of private sector companies participated in the competition as exhibitors, evaluators and sponsors.

The Skills Competition provided a platform for TVET institutes to strengthen their partnerships and linkages with the industry in line EASTRIP’s project objectives. By bridging the gap between educational institutions and employers’ needs, EASTRIP aims to equip young professionals with the skills required to thrive in the job market and boost economic growth in East Africa.

The WorldSkills Kenya National Competition took place across three venues. The Kenya School of TVET (KSTVET) served as the main host, accommodating competitions in various technical fields. The Boma International Hospitality College hosted complementary contests in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Services, while Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology hosted the Industrial 4.0 and Mechatronic competitions. The competition allowed participants to showcase their skills and talent and innovation in technical and vocational education.

EASTRIP’s involvement in the WorldSkills Kenya National Competition underscores the project’s commitment to supporting TVET institutes in East Africa to develop skilled workforce that meets the demands of the labour market.

By Godwin Bonge Muhwezi, EASTRIP Project Communication Officer at Inter-University Council for East Africa.