On Monday, March 18th, 2024, Ms. Faith Langat, the East Africa Regional Manager for FESTO, paid a courtesy visit to the management of Kabarak University's TVET Institute.
FESTO, a German company, offers products, systems, and services for pneumatic and electrical control and drive technology, catering to factory and process automation needs. This visit follows up on conversations initiated at a conference for German companies held in Nairobi in May 2023, which Ms. Faith Yator, the Deputy Director of the TVET Institute, attended.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential partnerships for technical and STEM-related courses offered at the institute. A specific area of interest was bionics, a program that exposes students to the wonders of nature and how those principles can be applied to solve technical challenges. This program, which combines elements of nature and robotics, can equip students to develop innovative solutions and technologies that address current industrial needs.
FESTO has a history of supporting institutions in developing technical skills, particularly in electrical engineering and mechatronics. This visit marks the beginning of a potential partnership that will benefit the TVET Institute in several ways. FESTO's support will focus on providing training opportunities for students and staff, as well as collaborating on proposal writing and other resource mobilization strategies to ensure the project's success. Additionally, FESTO will offer expertise in designing and specifying the equipment needed for the institute's labs.
Ms. Langat was impressed by the well-equipped electrical engineering lab during her visit, highlighting its suitability for the envisioned project. This partnership will ultimately empower students to compete on a global stage by preparing them for the WorldSkills competition.
Dr. Mutai, the Executive Director of the TVET Institute, welcomed this initiative. He believes it will significantly enhance the institute's technical training capabilities, equipping students with globally relevant skills. He also anticipates that the partnership will foster creativity and innovation among both students and staff. Both parties agreed to collaborate closely to ensure the project's success, and the institute looks forward to continued engagement with FESTO.
