JKUAT, RICEM Partner to Strengthen SME Training in East Africa
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is engaged in collaborative talks with the Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), through the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SOBE), on a potential academic partnership aimed at strengthening training and capacity building for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The collaboration center’s on producing a…
A representative of the RICEM delegation addresses the meeting.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is engaged in collaborative talks with the Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), through the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SOBE), on a potential academic partnership aimed at strengthening training and capacity building for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The collaboration center’s on producing a training programme aimed at equipping professionals serving in various roles within SMEs and start-ups with the skills needed to improve their performance and competitiveness in the commercial market. RICEM seeks to leverage JKUAT’s expertise in curriculum development and institutional mentorship to strengthen the programme and support its accreditation.
Welcoming the RICEM delegation, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, expressed JKUAT’s willingness to share its knowledge and expertise to strengthen regional training capacity.
“JKUAT has mentored many institutions in their journey to become fully fledged universities. Our experience and expertise in curriculum development has enabled many to come up with and offer quality accredited training programmes. We will do our part to boost East Africa’s training capacity,” said Prof. Kinyua.
The delegation was also addressed by Director, Academic Quality Assurance (DAQA), Dr. Christian Adenya, who took the team through the process of programme accreditation and reaffirmed JKUAT’s support for RICEM in developing and strengthening the proposed programme.
Speaking on the sidelines of the engagement, Dean, SOBE, Prof. Karanja Ngugi, noted that JKUAT’s early adoption of competency-based training makes it well positioned to support the initiative.
“As JKUAT, we have always given skills-based training, so this partnership will be seamless. We are sure to come up with a programme that benefits our countries and East Africa,” said Prof. Ngugi.
RICEM seeks to train professionals and postgraduate students to support continuous professional development and enhance their performance in the business environment. The initiative aligns with the growing emphasis on recognition of prior learning and competency-based training, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration in professional and skills development.
JKUAT’s School of Open and Distance Learning (SODEL), which supports the University’s online students, provided a practical example of how RICEM could leverage online learning to deliver the programme across the region.
The proposed training targets fresh graduates and junior professionals, equipping them with skills to enhance their performance in their respective occupations. JKUAT has been invited to assess and review the curriculum, paving the way for a university-supported training programme with potential to benefit professionals and enterprises across the region.
The collaboration will be guided by JKUAT’s Directorate of Linkages, which has been tasked with developing an institutional execution strategy to translate the shared vision into actionable outcomes. The Directorate will also play a key role in resource mobilisation and capacity building.
Speaking during the engagement, Director of Linkages, Dr. Rebecca Maina, expressed her commitment to finalising the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions in consultation with the Legal Office.
“We hope to finalise the MoU between our institutions after the necessary consultations so that we can embark on maximising the impact of this cross-border alliance. The Directorate will do what it can to strengthen this collaboration, from tracking deliverables to publishing joint policy briefs and industry insights that can enhance both institutions’ regional profiles,” said Dr. Maina.
Members of the JKUAT and RICEM teams pose for a commemorative group photo.