Innovations from technical courses have the potential to tackle challenges like climate change – PS Muoria

By Monica MUEMA

The government through the ministry of education’s TVET unit has called on the Kenyan youth to take up opportunities offered at the National Polytechnics, and public technical and vocational institutions, whose innovative outcomes are believed could help address global pressing challenges such as climate change and disease outbreaks.

Speaking yesterday during the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) by AVIC International on its eighth season, the Principal Secretary, State department for technical, vocational education and training, Dr. Esther Muoria said that the State would back such innovations through relevant funding agencies to advance their potential.

The partnership between AVIC International and the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education since 2010, has seen 154 TVET institutions equipped with modern equipment enabling our institutions produce graduates with hands-on experience to meet the labor and industrial demands.

“We anticipate to witness the fusion of imagination and technology, leading to breakthroughs that have the power to reshape industries, eliminate inefficiencies, enhance our lives, and contribute to a sustainable future. Our ability to collaborate, communicate, and thrive under pressure will also be tested,” noted the PS.

The challenge targets contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, Cote D’Ivoire and Zimbabwe, and will see top six teams walking away with numerous prizes. Themed ‘Role of Engineering in driving industrialization in Africa, this year’s competition will focus on the rapidly developing construction industry, notably the design component.