Background Information

Kenya Technical Teachers College has grown and expanded with time. Although the original objective of KTTC was to train technically skilled personnel to teach in technical training institutions it has expanded and currently trains middle level personnel to work in sectors of economy.

This is because other needs have arisen as the student population increases and societal needs change. As the need for self employment and creation of wealth arose, as opposed to seeking for employment, KTTC had to live by its motto and logo of being the “Gear” – technologically leading the country forward. Thus, the establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Department popularly referred to as “EP Department”. The department has also realised reasonable achievement in training students who are managers of their own enterprises, capable of training others in entrepreneurship and also able to manage Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) respectively. In order to satisfy the needs of society, Entrepreneurship Course is offered both at Higher and Ordinary Diploma Level.

Higher Diploma

In 1990, the Government of Kenya, in collaboration with International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and University of Illinois started the first Masters and PhD in Entrepreneurship Degree in Africa. The programs were housed at KTTC which did not only provide the premises but also a conducive learning environment. This was a pioneer project.

In 1992 the Masters Program was transferred to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). It was decided that KTTC should start the first higher diploma programme in Africa. In 1993 the first class, fully sponsored by ILO/UNDP, was enrolled. However, from the year 1995, students have been paying fees.

The Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship Development produces students who are able to successfully manage their own enterprises, be managers of innovative ventures, Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). Students who pursue Higher National Diploma in Entrepreneurship offered by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) with a minimum of a credit pass have been accepted for Master’s Degree programmes in local and international universities.

The course is offered in the most innovative manner and students are exposed to Industrial Attachment for a period of six months. This practice has formed a good linkage between KTTC and the Small and Medium Enterprise Sector (SME’s) as well as the NGO’s and CBO’s. The latter two have always expressed their happiness, especially with the students who have been industrially apprenticed at their organizations.

Ordinary Diploma in Entrepreneurship

The students who pursue the Ordinary Diploma in Entrepreneurship obtain KNEC Diploma, after which they are expected to operate their own enterprises. As is the case with the Higher National Diploma above, they are also exposed to industries, CBO’s and NGO’s. The diploma qualifies them for the Higher Diploma Course or University Degree Course.

Technical Education Programmes

The department trains students in Entrepreneurship teaching and training skills.

They are exposed to Know About Business (KAB), an ILO designed programme to teach Entrepreneurship (EP). KAB exposes them to training techniques used in classroom and by practising entrepreneurs. It should be noted that through this programme, the department has formed great linkages with all Technical Training Institutes in Kenya, and, to some extent, the East Africa Region, where some alumni have obtained teaching jobs.

Linkages

Entrepreneurship Development Department has linkages with the local Industries, NGO’s, CBO’s and Universities. It’s a requirement that students go through Industrial Apprenticeship in manufacturing/production and service industries. Since the courses offered are practical oriented, some students eventually obtain employment either as instructors or production personnel and management personnel respectively.

The Department is also linked to international bodies like ILO, which has trained some lecturers, as national trainers in KAB.

Small Business Centre

Through the Small Business Centre, the department offers Consultancy and Skills Development Training Services through short courses, specifically tailored to suit customer needs. The courses offered include:

i) Small Enterprise Development – from start-up. Growth and Expansion.

ii) Enterprise Management

iii) Business Plan Writing

iv) Consultancy and Business Counseling and Clinics

v) NGO and CBO management

vi) Financial Management and Book Keeping

vii) Training of Trainers – U sing ILO KAB training programme

viii) Psychology of Adult Learner – tailored to Entrepreneurs

ix) Creativity and Innovation

x) Business Commutation and Report Writing

xi) ICT, Technology adoption and transfer in SME’s.

xii) Marketing and Research in Small and Medium Size Enterprises

xiii) HIV/AIDS Advocacy, Communication and Socio-economic Sustainability

xiv) Pre/Post retirement Training

xv) Product/service quality management.

Mrs. M.N. MUGA,

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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