On 12th July, 2024, Kibabii University hosted a delegation from the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP) for the Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem (SKIES) initiative. The team conducted a thorough assessment of the progress of 33 students currently undergoing training in the University. The evaluation focused on various aspects including program implementation, course delivery, student engagement and support, institutional support, and challenges encountered.
KIEP, implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, State Department for Industry with support from the World Bank, aims to enhance Kenya’s innovation infrastructure through its SKIES subcomponent. SKIES focuses on strengthening the support infrastructure for Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
Kibabii University is one of eight regional institutions in Kenya participating in the SKIES Rapid Tech Skills program. Other institutions include Moi University, Dedan Kimathi University, Mama Ngina University College, Open University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and Kenyatta University. This program addresses critical needs in Kenya’s technology sector and fosters the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The SKIES Management Firm identified a group of highly motivated tech enthusiasts, and Kibabii University welcomed the first cohort of 33 students in April 2024. The students are currently completing 11 courses, including Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, and Soft Skills and Entrepreneurship. The students are in their final month of coursework and are expected to graduate soon. They will receive a completion certificate upon fulfilling all the program requirements.