The Kitale National Polytechnic held its 3rd Annual International Research Conference, uniting trainees, innovators, and researchers from Kenya and Uganda for collaborative learning and research.
The event, which also featured a skills competition and innovation exhibitions, highlighted the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in shaping Kenya’s future industrial growth.
Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) Director, Dr. Meshack Opwora—who served as the chief guest—highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of national development.
“The government of Kenya invests heavily in science, technology, and innovation because it is through these that we can achieve development. This year’s theme, ‘Economic Sustainability Through Applied Research, Innovation, and Skills Development,’ reflects that commitment,” he said.
Dr. Opwora noted that with continuous support, such innovations could evolve into full-scale production units hosted within TVET institutions, creating jobs, generating revenue, and deepening Kenya’s manufacturing base.
“Science and research bridge the gaps we face in national development, and what we have seen here today are innovations that can be plowed back to solve real problems in our society,” he said.
Dr. Opwora pointed to exceptional student projects, including an innovative pesticide developed from rabbit urine—an example he said demonstrated the potential of homegrown solutions to catalyze industrialization.
“Countries that have industrialized used research and innovation. Kenya is taking the same direction,” he noted, adding that empowering young innovators within TVET institutions would play a pivotal role in driving that transformation.
He further highlighted the TVET sector’s ongoing push for every institution to establish production units capable of generating their own income, creating in-house industries, and offering learners opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Chief Principal Tom Mulati underscored the significance of the conference as part of the institution’s core mandate to advance training and research.
“We are hosting the third international research conference, which also incorporates skills competitions and innovations. What we are doing here has a direct impact on the socio-economic development of our country,” Mulati said.
Participants from other TVET institutions across Kenya, as well as researchers from Uganda, presented papers, showcased applied research, and engaged in cross-border knowledge exchange.
“We want to make research and innovation a culture—not a one-time event. As an institution, we will continue to actively participate in research activities,” Mulati added.
The chairman of the polytechnic’s governing council, Paul Kibirech, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting research and innovation as central pillars of the polytechnic’s mission.
“We are so committed to facilitating research, innovation, and industry because we want our trainees, when they step out of Kitale National Polytechnic, to be second to none,” Kibirech said.
He said the institution moulds, equips, and retools trainees before deploying them into the workforce and research ecosystem.
“Whenever we invest in research and training, we know we are making an investment for posterity. We are proud of the strides made, and proud to see trainees showcase their talents at this international conference,” he noted.
This year’s conference spotlighted numerous student-led innovations addressing challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, environment, and technology.
