By Mercy Buyanzi -Trans Nzoia County
Mount Kenya University is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to address the current skills gap and meet the future need of the economy.
Vice Chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi said the university and Equip Africa Institute is focused in empowering it’s students with relevant technologies to be able to meet the competitive labour market.
Speaking during 2rd graduation at Equip Africa Institute Kitale campus, Jaganyi said the institutions recognize the importance of leveraging technology to empower students and drive the economic growth.
“We recognize the importance of leveraging technology to empower individuals and drive economic growth. At Mount Kenya University, we understand the importance of collaboration and synergy in advancing the frontiers of knowledge and industry,” said Jaganyi.
He said Equip Africa Institute plays in shaping the medical and technical landscape and the institution is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes innovation, research, and industry engagement.
“Through collaborative efforts, we can harness the strengths of our respective institutions to develop programs that not only address the current skills gap but also anticipate and meet the future needs of our economy and beyond,” he asserted.
He further stated by integrating cutting-edge technology and fostering a spirit of innovation, the graduands with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global marketplace.
“We envision a partnership that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional academia, one that encompasses research, industry engagement, and community outreach. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that supports the incubation of ideas, the development of new technologies, and the nurturing of entrepreneurial ventures,” Jaganyi stated.
He encouraged the leadership of Equip Africa Institute to consider the establishment of joint research initiatives, industry partnerships, and exchange programs that will enrich the learning experience of the students.
He argued that the continued enhancement in innovation and technology, will help bridge the skills gap, and build a sustainable economy that benefits graduands and the society at large.
Prof Evans Kerosi, the executive director of Equip Africa Institute urged the national to consider provide bursaries to students in private institutions saying this would aid the country secure more skilled labour force.
He said hard economic times is a hurdle facing most Kenyans.
“Most parents are finding it difficult to raise fee and we ask the national government to provide bursaries in private institutions to enable the poor students further their education,” said Kerosi.
Stanely Kirui, Trans Nzoia County Executive Member for education who was the chief guest emphasized the need for learning institutions to give more focus on innovation and research to be able to produce highly skilled manpower to both local and international market.
He said the county administration is committed to support poor students access education to shape the future of their respective families.
