Kisii National Polytechnic has partnered with Signet Institute of Australia to offer Australian-accredited technical courses at the institution.
Speaking to the press at the Polytechnic in Kisii town, the Kenya Ambassador to Australia, Dr. Wilson Kogo, said the partnership is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to foster collaboration with Australia, particularly in the TVET sector where skilling is critical.
“This year, a significant delegation from Kenya and Australia held a roundtable discussion on areas of collaboration and agreed that more can be achieved in education, which has long been a national strength,” he noted.
Dr. Kogo highlighted that eight polytechnics across the country are implementing Australian-accredited courses to ensure students receive training aligned with Australia’s industry needs.
He emphasized that acquiring Australian-accredited training will enable young Kenyans to access global opportunities, enhance labour mobility, and equip them with skills recognized internationally.
The initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s vision of creating employment opportunities for youth, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Dr. Kogo also noted that further partnerships are being established in areas including mining, the blue economy, agriculture, health, and entrepreneurship, broadening the scope for skill development.
Kisii National Polytechnic Chief Principal, Dr. John Akola, lauded the Education Ministry for facilitating the partnership with Signet Institute. He said the collaboration would create job opportunities for youth both locally and internationally.
Dr. Akola revealed that the first cohort of 22 trainees is undergoing 52 weeks of training and will be awarded various skills certifications accredited by the Australian Government. He encouraged parents to enroll their children in the second cohort starting January 2026.
Signet Institute’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Ali Muhammad, stressed that recognition of skills is vital for facilitating labour mobility. “Our courses meet international industry standards, ensuring trainees acquire skills that open doors in at least 36 countries experiencing labour shortages due to aging populations or low birth rates,” he said.
Muhammad reiterated the institute’s commitment to training young Kenyans, enabling them to work locally and abroad, and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth. “We are proud to support Kenya’s vision of nurturing skilled labour that benefits the country both at home and internationally,” he added.
During the event, three students from Kisii National Polytechnic were awarded partial scholarships of US$2,250 to pursue their preferred courses at Signet Institute of Australia.
by Mercy Osongo
