A project monitoring agent Pamoja for Transformation Trust (P4T) and the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in regard to a renewable energy training program.
P4T is the partner responsible for, among other things, monitoring and evaluation of projects being implemented through an elaborate TUM, GiZ and WTS collaboration.
This collaboration supports the skilling of young Kenyans aged between 18 to 35 years to unlock their employment potential in the areas of solar and renewable energies.
The key focus is Promotion of Youth and Women Employment in Renewable Energy and E-Mobility in Kenya in the solar renewable energies.
The project will promote Opportunity-oriented skills and develop a pool of talent and expertise in the green transformation sub-sectors of solar, including mentorship for women with a view to increase the number of skilled technicians and entrepreneurs within the renewable energy sub-sectors.
The collaboration also entails Solar PV System design and installation activities.
Addressing TUM's top management and staff at the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Pamoja for Transformation Trust’s Executive Director Mr Kadenyo Stephen said the institutions will introduce comprehensive training packages by reviewing the current solar PV installer curriculum.
This will encompass curriculum updates, development of learning materials and guides, training programs, and assessment tools.
In her speech, Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar highlighted that TUM is the oldest Technical Institution in Kenya, with qualified human resources and state-of-the-art facilities to prepare students for the Job market.
The sentiment was echoed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research, and Extension Prof Peter Gichangi, who emphasized the importance of technical skills in the 21st century.
On January 13, the TUM TVET Institute commenced the first training cohort, targeting 50% female participation. The second cohort is scheduled to commence on 10th February 2025.
The collaboration is set to run a total of five (5) cohorts each of 30 trainees. It is a part scholarship program where the trainees pay forty percent (40%) of the fee payable and GiZ tops the remaining sixty percent (60%).