Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) specializes in capacity building for the infrastructure sector, with a focus on the roads subsector and TVET training programs. Since its inception, the institute has developed programs aimed at enhancing the quality of training and fostering regional integration.
Through the EASTRIP Project, KIHBT has developed 14 programs specifically in highway engineering technologies within the roads subsector. These programs are designed based on labor market surveys and the specific demand for capacity building from both government and private sector organizations. Throughout the development process, the institute engaged with internal and external stakeholders, including industry representatives and county governments. The Ministry of Education provided oversight during this phase.
The newly developed programs aim to address skills gaps identified through labour market surveys. With participation from industry stakeholders, occupational standards were created and validated for adoption. The fourteen programs consist of six long-term competency-based programs at Level 5 and eight short-term programs accredited by the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC).
Currently, these programs are being prepared for submission to the national accreditation agencies within the Ministry of Education. The institute is optimistic about soon enrolling students in the newly developed long-term courses.
By Beatrice Njenga, Communication Officer for EASTRIP at Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology
