MKU principal, campuses coordination and institutional compliance Dr. Nahashon Mwirigi {left} Chief Executive TVET Authority Dr. Kipkirui Langat , and with Dr. George Njoroge Dean School of Nursing { Right} and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi congratulates the Graduands during Equip Africa Institute 3rd graduation ceremony at Kitale, in Trans-Nzoia County. MKU/ JOHN MUCHUCHAKitale-based Equip Africa Institute held its third graduation ceremony on Wednesday even as it eyes expansion to increase healthcare training opportunities for Kenyans and play a part in meeting the growing demand for healthcare workers in the country.
Among the areas of expansion include equipping its laboratories with modern equipment and increasing the number of students that are pursuing nursing at the institution.
Prof Evans Kerosi, executive director of Equip Africa Institute, said the institution had made an application to the Nursing Council of Kenya for a double intake of nursing students.
“In line with our goal of expanding opportunities for students, we have applied for a double intake to the Nursing Council of Kenya, and the process is at an advanced stage. This was necessitated by the high demand for the registered diploma in community nursing program and the adequacy of the facilities our institution has put in place to accommodate the double intake,” he said during the graduation ceremony.
Graduands during Equip Africa Institute 3rd graduation ceremony at Kitale centre, in Trans-Nzoia County. MKU/ JOHN MUCHUCHA“Additionally, we are making significant investments in our facilities, including the acquisition of ultramodern equipment and plans to upgrade our skills laboratory with state-of-the-art mannequins. These simulators will enhance instruction and offer hands-on experience, preparing our students to excel in their practical applications.”
He added that to further enhance training and produce industry-ready graduates, the institution had forged strategic partnerships with health institutions in different parts of the country, including referral hospitals in Nyamisa, Webuye, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia Counties.
“These collaborations, formalised through memoranda of understanding, complement our efforts in student placements and attachment, offering invaluable real-world exposure and experience,” said Prof Kerosi.
The theme of this year’s graduation was “Embracing Competency-Based Training for a Transformative Future through Quality Training and Value-Based Education,”
Equip Africa Institute is an affiliate of Mount Kenya University (MKU).
Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, Vice Chancellor MKU, the institute has been keen on equipping students with skills necessary in today’s marketplace to enable them to tackle the challenges the country faces.
“Today, Kenya’s economy faces unique opportunities and challenges, and the strength of our workforce will play a crucial role in driving sustainable progress. As competency-based education continues to expand, graduates like you will become essential in fostering growth and innovation across industries, thereby shaping the future of our economy. Through your knowledge, skills, and values, you have the potential to spark positive change, building a better future for generations to come,” he said.
He added that MKU has been investing in ensuring that it is ready to welcome the first cohort of competency-based students under Kenya’s new education system.
“Our institution has made significant investments in resources, training, and infrastructure to ensure that these learners receive an education grounded in practical skills, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. We are ready to nurture the next generation of skilled professionals who will continue the legacy that you, our Equip Africa Institute graduates, have helped to establish,” he said.
Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi congratulates a health science graduate Changkuoth Ngunar from South Sudan, during the graduation ceremony in Kitale Center. MKU/ JOHN MUCHUCHA
At the graduation ceremony, the institution was lauded as a trends setter in healthcare training, an area that is vital to Kenyans but has been neglected by many institutions of higher learning.
The institution was urged to go even further and expand its programmes while also reaching out to students from other parts of the region, where, just like Kenya, the demand for different health workers is growing.
“In particular, I applaud the Institute’s leadership in offering essential health-related programs… these courses not only equip students with vital skills but also address critical gaps in our healthcare system,” said Dr Sam Onjwang, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, Trans-Nzoia County Government.
Health science graduate celebrates during the second graduation ceremony at the Equip Africa Institute in Kitale Centre.MKU/ JOHN MUCHUCHA“As a medical professional myself, I deeply understand the rigorous standards and immense dedication required to establish and sustain health-related programs. Equip Africa Institute has proven its commitment to excellence by preparing students to meet the demands of an ever-evolving healthcare sector.”
“The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, especially in our region, where there remains a high demand for qualified healthcare professionals.”
Dr Onjwang further challenged the Equip Africa Institute to expand its range of health-related programs. F
“Few institutions in this region offer these vital courses, yet the need for health workers continues to grow—not only in Kenya but globally. By stepping up to this challenge, you are making a significant contribution to the well-being of our communities and beyond,” he said, even as he pledged support by Trans-Nzoia County Government.
This is even as he encouraged the graduating class to “remain curious, seek mentorship, and embrace opportunities for growth”.
Dr. Kipkirui Lang’at, chief executive officer, TVET Authority, also urged Equip to pursue growth not just in Kenya but in the region.
"I challenge Equip Africa to Identify a niche area and purpose to be a centre of excellence in Kenya and Africa as a region. This will end up promoting education tourism and in the next graduation we might be celebrating graduands from over 10 countries,” he said.
Dr Lang’at also lauded the model that Equip Africa Institute and MKU had adopted.
Graduands during Equip Africa Institute 3rd graduation ceremony at Kitale centre in Trans Nzoia County. MKU/ JOHN MUCHUCHA“As an affiliate of Mount Kenya University, Equip Africa Institute bears the hallmarks of quality training, a legacy it has upheld with diligence. Your affiliation assures us of your dedication to maintaining high standards, a core value we at TVETA hold dearly,” he said.
“The pioneering model of TVET management is a lesson other universities may learn from. That is, running TVET institutions as semi-autonomous entities affiliated with the universities. This model enables the TVET institutes to receive maximum attention by having its own governance structure including board of management, directors, trainers, financials and calendar of events.”
This is even as he put TVET institutions operating without accreditation on notice.
“I must caution those institutions operating without proper accreditation or licenses. Such unauthorized operations undermine the quality of TVET training… all institutions whether public or private must adhere to the set guidelines and regulations. This adherence is not merely a compliance issue but a commitment to ensuring that learners are equipped with skills that match the needs of industries and society at large,” he said.
During the graduation, Equip Africa highlighted an innovation by two of its students. John Kingola, a Computer Science student, and his partner Kelivin Njiro successfully launched a subscription-free streaming platform, Eyepapcorn Live.
The service offers open-source films and anime, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. Since its inception, the platform has grown steadily, now serving around 3,800 monthly users.
“This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the student's dedication to creating inclusive, legal, and barrier-free streaming options but also highlights the power of combining technical skills with a vision for social impact,” said Prof Kerosi.
