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Charles Green (second left), the Panafrican Equipment Group Training Manager, and Eng. Maurice Nabende (second right), the Director of Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) exchange a cooperation agreement for training of instructors and students. It was witnessed by Geoffrey Githiri (right) KIHBT Deputy Director and Iris Masidza (left) Panafrican Equipment Group Training Coordinator.[PhotCourtesy/Bob Dewar}
Panafrican Equipment Kenya Limited has signed a cooperation agreement with Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) to assist in the technical development of KIHBT instructors and trainees.
Panafrican Equipment Kenya Limited is a leading supplier of heavy equipment used in road construction, quarry and aggregates, heavy and light mining, as well as the power and energy sectors. The company is recognized as the principal distributor of Komatsu, Metso, and AGCO equipment, and aftersales support solutions.
KIHBT is a TVET registered institution specializing in training and capacity building for the roads sub-sector. They also offer courses in other fields of infrastructure including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. These courses are available for fresh secondary school graduates at craft and technician levels at the Institute’s three campuses located in Nairobi, Ngong, and Kisii County.
Through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) funded by the World Bank, the partnership is expected to help bridge the gap between training and industry by ensuring that graduates acquire the necessary competences and skills demanded by the construction industry.
Charles Green, the Panafrican Equipment Group Training Manager, explained,” The construction industry is experiencing a dynamic era of rapid innovation. As new technologies emerge institutions need to be aligned to meet the market needs. Panafrican Equipment will assist with skills and knowledge transfer by providing training to KIHBT technical instructors and trainees at our training facility on Mombasa Road and at their institution.”“Where possible, we shall help with curriculum design and with assessment tasks conducted by KIHBT. If placement opportunities arise, we shall offer internships to trainees for industry exposure and as an equal opportunities employer will also welcome job applications from KIHBT graduates if vacancies arise.”
Engineer Maurice Nabende, the Director of KIHBT praised the partnership saying the instructors and trainees will benefit widely from the broad range of construction equipment available at Panafrican Equipment Kenya Limited and their well-equipped training room and workshop.
“The skills gained by the students at the culmination of the program will align with current labor market requirements in the roads and highways sector and will ensure that KIHBT stays abreast of technological advancement within this industry giving our instructors and trainees a competitive edge,” he added.
