The Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology’s (KIHBT) effort to increase access to TVET programs through affirmative action  to increase enrolment of female students into technical courses, has received continent-wide recognition. The Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) competitively selected KIHBT’s scholarship program as one of the good practices in promoting Equitable and Inclusive TVET in Africa. The institute was subsequently invited to present during the Africa Skills Week in Accra, Ghana. KIHBT’s thematic area of submission focused on girls and women and underserved young people category and it was selected to be among the top three finalists from over 100 submissions from the entire continent.

In 2023, KIHBT launched a scholarship programme, targeting qualifying, needy female students from across Kenya. The program attracted 72 females enrolled into various Highways Technology Courses. It is expected to feature in the African Trove on Equitable and Inclusive TVET.

KIHBT Team during the Africa Skills Week

During the Africa Skills Week to recognize the good practices in TVET in Africa,  KIHBT was represented by the EASTRIP Project Coordinator, Arch. Geoffrey Githiri and the Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer, Ms. Patricia Karamuta Baariu. An appeal was made to stakeholders and strategic partners to offer support to the program.

 By Beatrice Njenga, Communication Officer for EASTRIP at KIHBT