Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) and the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar es Salaam have recently signed a cooperation agreement. During a benchmarking exercise at NIT, the two institutes found common ground and decided to collaborate to enhance skills in the transport and infrastructure sector, aiming to cultivate a more qualified and skilled workforce in the region.
Director, KIHBT, Eng. Maurice Nabende (2nd L) and Former Rector, National Institute of Transport, Prof. Eng. Zacharia Mganilwa after signing the cooperation agreement.
Their shared goals include:
- Participating in joint academic and research activities to exchange expertise and best practices.
- Facilitating the exchange of academic faculty members and researchers to foster collaboration.
- Implementing student mobility and exchange programs including internships and study abroad experiences to promote regional integration.
- Extending invitations to convocation events for the presentation of research and technical papers by students before their graduation.
- Developing curricula that align with industry needs and emerging trends, and sharing resources and expertise to improve the quality of education.
Both KIHBT and NIT have departments in common, such as Civil & Highway and Mechanical & Automotive. The heads of these departments, along with support from institutional managers, are currently devising an action plan guided by the Regional Harmonized Qualification Framework. This framework aims to support student mobility and employability across the region.
The student exchange programme will follow a hybrid model, incorporating both online and physical components. The programme is scheduled is expected to be launched in April 2024.
KIHBT and NIT Teams after signing the cooperation agreement
By Betrice Njenga, Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology.
