MMUST-TVET Institute workshop participants.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology- TVET Institute is set to become one of its kind in the region if deliberations at a recent workshop are anything to go by. This was revealed during a three-day workshop organized by the Principal, MMUST-TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong’or held from 5th to 7th June, 2023 at the Golf Hotel- Kakamega.
The institute’s board members spearheaded the formulation of strategic and business plans to aid its advancement towards gaining autonomy. These key tools will enable the institute to establish realistic objectives, define its direction and track progress towards its goals. The board members laid out the needs and guidelines that will address the present and anticipated challenges affecting the institute.
The event was graced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo who noted that the institute has marked considerable progress and urged the board members to keep up the good job.
“Strategic roadmap is essential in creating a common framework that will support the establishment of sustainable TVET policies and programs. This will improve the quality of training we offer thus providing an opportunity for evolutionary and innovative solutions for the socio-economic development of the society,” stated Prof. Thuo.
A section of the Board members following a presentation during the workshop.
In his remarks, Prof. Ong’or pointed out that the board is coming up with organizational structures and strategies designed to make the institute a full-fledged TVET institution. He further stated that the institute has a strong curriculum validated by the industry to ensure a high degree of credibility for the programs offered.
“This workshop seeks to provide a projection to chat the best doable actions for the institute. These tools will help in ensuring that all the risks in operation, management, and monitoring will be taken into account. MMUST-TVET Institute has the capacity to provide cutting-edge training that responds to industry demands,” said Prof. Ong’or.
The Principal, MMUST-TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong’or making remarks at the workshop.
Speaking during the workshop, the Chairperson of the Institute’s board, Mr. James Wakungwi Sakwa noted that they are keen to see to it that the institute to becomes a premier TVETA institution. He thanked the University Management for the continued support in ensuring that the institute rises to its independence.
“We have deliberated on critical variables to boost the visibility of the institute to attract many prospective learners and ensure it becomes a key Income Generating Unit for the University. TVET is directly linked to the labor market and hence plays a key role in providing requisite knowledge and skills,” reiterated Mr. Sakwa.
The Chairperson, of the MMUST-TVET Institute board, Mr. James Sakwa keenly following a presentation at the workshop.
Similarly, one of the facilitators, Mr. James Muriithi who is the University Marketing Officer, presented extensively on the need to have a marketing plan for the TVET Institute. He noted that having a marketing plan will enhance public acceptance and enable effective reach out to the target audience.
“Public visibility without an overall purpose is wasted, I urge you to have a marketing plan to help you identify and reach your target market. Marketing components such as Advocacy, Advertising, Promotion, and Publicity need to be related to a central plan. This requires market research to understand the needs and problems of the community which our services provide an answer to,” he stated.
The University Marketing Officer- Mr. James Muriithi making a presentation at the workshop.
At the end of the training, the participants will have a clear roadmap and development plan which will be used as a basis for their future direction.
The members of the board present included the Deputy- (Principal TVET Institute)- Dr. Samuel Waweru, the Dean- School (Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance)- Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa, Director (Research and Postgraduate Support)- Prof. Peter Bukhala, Registrar (Academic Affairs)- Prof. Thomas Sakwa, Prof. Francis Muyekho, and Prof. Lt. Col. (Rtd) John Okoth.
Additionally, the workshop brought together various experts including; the Director, of Curriculum Review and Development- Prof. Judah Ndiku and Dr. Dishon Wanjere who tackled the Strategic Plan; CPA Jared Rading (Business Plan) and the Manager, MMUST-Enterprises-CPA (Marketing Plan). The other participants were; Mr. Fred Koyaya, Ms. Mable Wambani, and Ms. Anne Okang’a.
Creating a vibrant and relevant technical training institute requires a high level of industry involvement in the curriculum design, instructional delivery, and overview process. MMUST-TVET Institute programs have been developed with industry’s input and our curriculum is industry driven to create enterprises that compete worldwide. This resonates with the expectations of a productive and sustainable society.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
