Equip Africa Institute holds third graduation ceremony in Trans Nzoia

Equip Africa Institute, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) arm of Mount Kenya University (MKU), held its third graduation ceremony on Wednesday, December 11, in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.

Themed ‘Embracing competency-based training for a transformative future through quality training and value-based education,’ the event celebrated the largest and most dynamic graduating class in the institute's history.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Evans Kerosi Somoni, Executive Director of Equip Africa Institute, expressed gratitude to the graduates and their families for choosing the institution as their academic partner.

"We are truly honored to have been a part of your academic journey, and we hope that your time with us has been both enriching and fulfilling," said Prof. Kerosi.

Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, highlighted the institute's pivotal role in bridging the gap in skilled training to meet the dynamic needs of various industries.

"We live in an era where skill-based training is no longer optional but central to economic development. Globally, competency-based education has emerged as the master key to unlocking innovation, growth, and sustainability," Prof. Jaganyi remarked.

"By focusing on practical, hands-on learning, we prepare our students not just to enter the workforce but to lead in their respective industries. This is why MKU invests heavily in skill-based training programs."

The event also featured a speech from Boniface Wanyonyi, Trans Nzoia County's CEC in charge of Water, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, who represented the guest speaker, Samson Ojwang', CEC for Health Services and Sanitation.

Mr. Wanyonyi commended the graduates for their hard work and lauded Equip Africa's leadership in offering transformative education.

He emphasized the importance of health-related programs such as Diploma in Nursing, Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Health Records, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Operative Theatre Technology.

"These courses not only equip students with vital skills but also address critical gaps in the healthcare system," Wanyonyi said, pledging the county's support for the institute's vision to become a regional center of excellence in technical training and innovation.

Dr. Paul Wanyeki, representing the Chief Guest, Dr. Kipkirui Langat, Director General of TVET Authority, congratulated Equip Africa on its accreditation and adherence to TVET standards, ensuring quality education for Kenyans.

"Equip Africa Institute has set admirable standards in the technical and vocational education sector," said Dr. Wanyeki.

"With your seven centers - Nairobi, Thika, Malindi, Kitale, Nakuru, Kisii, and Mombasa - you have brought quality training closer to countless young people across the country, empowering them with market-relevant and transformative skills."

The institute's programs are also accredited by professional bodies such as the Nursing Council of Kenya, Clinical Officers Council, Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, and others, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared for various sectors.