Meru National Polytechnic in Kenya is renowned for its excellence in Building Technology, with modern facilities and committed faculty. With support from the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), the polytechnic college welcomed students from neighbouring countries, including students from Tanzania’s Arusha Technical College and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology.
The polytechnic admitted students from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology into a long-term program in Data Communication and Computer Network Level 5, which will last one and a half years. Thirty trainees have begun the course, receiving certificates for the first unit of competence. The remainder of the program is to be completed through a combination of online and physical learning. For this purpose, digital content has been made available on the MNP Learning Management System for trainee access.
Furthermore, fifty trainees from Arusha Technical College in Tanzania have enrolled at the polytechnic. This group is divided evenly, with twenty-five trainees focusing on Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and the other twenty-five on a CBET course in Cybersecurity. Both are long-term programs, starting from 26th February 2024.
The EASTRIP initiative seeks to strengthen educational co-operation across East Africa, providing a framework for students in the region to access quality education and training opportunities. This fosters unity and integration. Under this scheme, Meru National Polytechnic has been actively collaborating with Tanzanian institutions to fulfil these objectives.
Students who have participated in these programs under EASTRIP expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their skills while experiencing cultural diversity. The mutual exchange of ideas and knowledge between Kenyan and Tanzanian students enriched the learning experience for all involved.
By David Maingi, the EASTRIP communications Officer at Meru National Polytechnic College
