KIPPRA held its Mentorship Programme for Universities and TVETs (KMPUT) at Taita Taveta University on 13th and 14th November 2024. The aim of the programme is to create awareness and develop capacity of the University community and TVETs in understanding the public policy making process for their effective participation in the public policy making processes.
The event was attended by the KIPPRA Board Chair Prof. Paul Wachana, Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi and the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics and Research Prof, Justin Maganga who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fred Barasa.
The event provided an opportunity to enlighten students and the university community on the government’s development agenda, youth empowerment and innovation opportunities, government affirmative initiatives such as disability mainstreaming and financing for youth innovations.
Students also got a chance to showcase their grasp of policy issues through essay writing, debates and panel discussions. These students were awarded certificates for their active participation.
Among the facilitators during the event include: Ms Esther Katiba, a career and professional development expert, who talked to the students about how to navigate the job market through professional development and career management; Mr Wangai Gashoki from National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) who spoke about the foundations of productivity of youth in employment, including healthy living, character development and the effects of alcohol and drug abuse; Ms Dorcas Mwangi from the State Department of Economic Planning who highlighted the national planning process and cascading of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda; Ms Linda Onyango from SME Support Centre who exposed the students to innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities that can promote employment; Mr Billington Muchiri from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund who highlighted government initiatives to support youth businesses and innovations; Mr Donrich Komor from the National Employment Authority who shared youth employment opportunities locally and abroad as well as support initiatives and access regulations provided by the institution; and Mr Titus Yego from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities who outlined initiatives to mainstream disability and support PWDs, including the youth, achieve their full potential.
