Equip Africa Institute, a prominent educational institution based in Kitale, recently held its third graduation ceremony, marking another milestone in its mission to expand healthcare training opportunities for Kenyans. As the demand for qualified healthcare professionals continues to rise, the institute is taking significant steps to meet this growing need through strategic expansion plans, including equipping its laboratories with modern equipment and increasing the number of students.
Expansion Plans
At the graduation ceremony, Prof. Evans Kerosi, the executive director of Equip Africa Institute, highlighted the institution’s ambitious expansion plans. The institute has applied for a double intake of nursing students with the Nursing Council of Kenya, aiming to address the high demand for the registered diploma in community nursing program. “In line with our goal of expanding opportunities for students, we have applied for a double intake to the Nursing Council of Kenya, and the process is at an advanced stage,” said Prof. Kerosi. This expansion is essential to accommodate the growing number of students pursuing nursing at the institution, driven by the need for more qualified healthcare workers in Kenya.
The institute is also investing heavily in its facilities, with plans to acquire ultramodern equipment and upgrade its skills laboratory with state-of-the-art mannequins. These simulators will enhance instruction by providing hands-on experience, preparing students for real-world challenges in the healthcare sector. “These collaborations, formalized through memoranda of understanding, complement our efforts in student placements and attachment, offering invaluable real-world exposure and experience,” Prof. Kerosi added.
Strategic Partnerships for Real-World Exposure
Equip Africa Institute has formed strategic partnerships with health institutions across various counties, including referral hospitals in Nyamisa, Webuye, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Busia. These collaborations are designed to provide students with practical experience and enhance their training through placements and attachments. The partnerships are formalized through memoranda of understanding, ensuring that students get real-world exposure, which is crucial for their development as competent healthcare professionals. “These partnerships are not only about skills development but also about contributing to the healthcare system by providing trained professionals who understand the practical aspects of their field,” said Prof. Kerosi.
The graduation ceremony, themed “Embracing Competency-Based Training for a Transformative Future through Quality Training and Value-Based Education,” underscored the institute’s commitment to equipping students with skills necessary to excel in today’s competitive marketplace. Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, Vice Chancellor of Mount Kenya University, the affiliate institution, emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “Today, Kenya’s economy faces unique opportunities and challenges, and the strength of our workforce will play a crucial role in driving sustainable progress. As competency-based education continues to expand, graduates from Equip Africa Institute will be essential in fostering growth and innovation across industries, thereby shaping the future of our economy.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its achievements, Equip Africa Institute is not resting on its laurels. The institution’s leadership is committed to expanding its programs and reaching out to students from other parts of the region where the demand for health workers is equally high. Dr. Sam Onjwang, County Executive Committee Member for Health, Trans-Nzoia County Government, emphasized this during his speech at the graduation ceremony. “Few institutions in this region offer these vital courses, yet the need for health workers continues to grow not only in Kenya but globally,” he said. “By stepping up to this challenge, Equip Africa Institute is making a significant contribution to the well-being of our communities and beyond.”
Dr. Kipkirui Lang’at, Chief Executive Officer of the TVET Authority, also urged the institute to pursue growth not just in Kenya but across the region. “I challenge Equip Africa to identify a niche area and purpose to be a center of excellence not only in Kenya but also in Africa,” said Dr. Lang’at. “By doing so, Equip Africa can promote education tourism and celebrate graduands from over 10 countries in the next ceremony.” This vision aligns with the institute’s goal of becoming a regional hub for health education, leveraging its strong partnerships and quality training standards to attract students from across Africa.
Innovations and Technological Advancements
The graduation ceremony also highlighted innovations from students. John Kingola, a Computer Science student, and his partner Kelivin Njiro launched Eyepapcorn Live, a subscription-free streaming platform for open-source films and anime. Since its inception, the platform has grown steadily, now serving around 3,800 monthly users. This initiative not only demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit among students but also highlights the institution’s role in nurturing innovation and providing practical learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
As Equip Africa Institute looks to the future, its focus on expanding educational access and enhancing training quality remains steadfast. The graduation ceremony underscored the importance of competency-based training in preparing students to meet the demands of an ever-evolving healthcare sector. With continued investments in facilities, partnerships with industry, and a commitment to quality education, Equip Africa Institute is poised to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry and beyond, contributing to sustainable development in Kenya and the region at large.
