World Bank Vice President Commends KIHBT for Advancing Skills Development and Youth Empowerment through EASTRIP Project

World Bank Vice President Commends KIHBT for Advancing Skills Development and Youth Empowerment through EASTRIP Project

KIHBT was recently honoured to host, Ms. Mamta Murthi, Vice President of Human Development at the World Bank, as she engaged with the achievements and progress of the EASTRIP project and its beneficiaries. Accompanying her were Eng. Joseph Mbugua, the Permanent Secretary of the State Department for Roads, Dr. Esther Mworia from the TVET sector, the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU), and World Bank staff.

During the visit, KIHBT showcased its accomplishments aligned with the project’s objectives and contributions to the government’s agenda. Notably, the institution has seen a significant rise in student admissions in priority areas such as Highways and Technology, growing from 1900 to 4012 admissions per year against a target of 3876. KIHBT has also played a crucial role in supporting the government’s policy of achieving a 100% transition of form four graduates into higher learning institutions

The World Bank, Vice President of Human Development, Ms. Mamta Murthi (Centre Standing) with EASTRIP Project Team in Kenya.

The trained manpower from KIHBT has greatly benefited the roads subsector, particularly in areas like plant operation, quality control, and supervision within the construction industry. Dr. Esther Mworia, the Principal Secretary of TVET, emphasized the importance of practical training for students to develop skills. She commended the project for investing in upskilling youth in the country and praised KIHBT for embracing Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) courses.

Ms. Mamta Murthi expressed her excitement at witnessing the Construction Plant Simulator in action and the young individual training on it. With Kenya’s demographic comprising a significant young population, there is a growing need for courses that support skill development.

KIHBT Director, Eng. Maurice Nabende (Right) takes dignitaries through demonstration of construction plant Simulator Operation.

Strong government policies have facilitated the skills agenda required by the labor market to meet demand. Ms. Murthi highlighted the need for regional integration to ensure continuity and expansion of the institutes’ capacity beyond the project’s duration, the importance of a relevant curriculum to enhance competency that aligns with industry needs, and building strong relationships with industries to provide student attachment and internship opportunities.

Eng. Joseph Mbugua, the Principal Secretary, expressed his gratitude for the support from EASTRIP, which enabled the institution to acquire the Construction Plant Simulator and other equipment promptly. The stakeholders acknowledged the World Bank’s strategic support in matters of skill development for the youth and requested continued assistance beyond the initially planned extension period.

By Betrice Njenga, Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology.