Graduation ceremony of Equip Africa Institute on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. HANDOUT
The ceremony was themed “Embracing competency-based training for a transformative future through quality training and value-based Education” and was held in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County where the largest and most dynamic class yet graduated.
Director General of TVET Authority Dr Kipkirui Lagat, who was represented in the ceremony by the agency’s Director of Standards Development, Compliance, and Enforcement Dr. Paul Wanyeki, was the chief guest
Lagat congratulated Equip Africa for being accredited by the TVET Authority and offering training as per the set standards by the government.
He lauded Equip Africa as one of the pioneer institutions to embrace the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (C-DAK Assessment Model).
"Since its inception, this institution has set some admirable standards in technical and vocational education and training sector,” Lagat said.
“With your seven centres, Nairobi, Thika, Malindi, Kitale, Nakuru, Kisii and Mombasa, you have brought quality training closer to the countless young people across the country. This wide reach is a statement of your vision of empowering learners with skills that are both market relevant and transformative."
Equip Africa Institute's Executive Director Prof Evans Kerosi Somoni on his part said it was an honour for parents and graduands to pick Equip Africa Institute as their preferred institution of learning.
"We are truly honoured to have been a part of your academic journey, and we hope that your time with us has been both enriching and fulfilling," he said.
Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi lauded the fact that Equip Africa is bridging the gap in skilled training and meets the dynamic requirements of various industries.
Graduation ceremony of Equip Africa Institute on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Prof. Jaganyi said that he was proud to witness the steady growth of the institute over the years given that Equip Africa was established to champion competency-based training as a tool for transformative education
"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 said.
"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 guest speaker Samson Ojwang', Trans Nzoia County's CEC Health Services and Sanitation, was dully represented by Boniface Wanyonyi, the CEC in charge of Water, Environmental, Natural Resources and Climate Change.
In his speech, Wanyama congratulated the graduates for their hard work and dedication.
He also noted the exemplary effort being made by Equip Africa in providing education that transforms life.
"In particular, I applaud the institute's leadership in offering essential health-related programmes such as Diploma in Nursing, Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Health Records, Nutrition Dietetics, and Operative Theatre Technology among others," he said, adding, "these courses not only equip students with vital skills but also address critical gaps in the healthcare system."
Barasa assured Trans Nzoia County's commitment to helping Equip Africa achieve its vision of being a regional centre of excellence in technical training and innovation.
Apart from TVET Authority, Equip Africa Institute is also accredited by other professional bodies like the Nursing Council of Kenya, Clinical Officers Council of Kenya, Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, Kenya Medical Laboratory and Technicians Board, as well as the Health Records and Information Management Systems Board.
