Research and innovation are fundamental components of the Kabete National polytechnic mission of providing demand driven training, research and innovation for sustainable development. The department is headed by a research coordinator who reports to the deputy principal academics. The coordinator is also the focal person for the national council for science technology and innovation (NACOSTI) acting on behalf of the principal.
MISSION
To provide demand driven quality training, research and innovation, assessment and certification for Sustainable Development.
ROLES AND FUNCTIONS
- To facilitate and coordinate all research and innovation activities in the polytechnic
- Ensure the overall coordination of performance indicator on science, technology and innovation mainstreaming in the polytechnic in line with the 2021-2022 performance contract guidelines.
- Plan and ensure sensitization and capacity building on STI mainstreaming among employees of the polytechnic.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of the STI strategy.
- Through the polytechnic management promote collaborations and partnerships.
- Ensure both quarterly and annual performance contract reports on science, technology and innovation are submitted.
RESEARCH PRIORITIES
The department has prioritized research and innovation in areas that align with the polytechnic goals, industry demands and vision 2030.These include but not limited to:
- Food security,
- Innovative technologies for TVET,
- Climate change adaptation,
- Digital economy and digital skills,
- Industrial automation and robotics.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- The polytechnic was represented in the KATTI regional skills and innovation competitions where research papers and innovations in the various academic disciplines were presented.
- Participation in the national KATTI skills and innovation competitions in robotics, Plumbing and welding skills.
- Participation in the world skills Kenya (WSK) competitions at the Kenya school of TVET in plumbing.
- Review of the Kabete national polytechnic research policy.
- Induction of newly posted staff of the polytechnic on their roles and expectations in research and innovation.
- The polytechnic was the venue for celebrations of TVET at 100 graced by the head of state where the research department was actively involved in preparation and presentation of innovations.
- Participation in the girls’ solar innovation challenge at the toolkit skills and innovation hub.
PROJECTIONS
Going forward the department intends to enhance the polytechnic’s visibility and impact by:
- Promoting best practices in administration to increase effectiveness and productivity of institutional research.
- Organize skills and innovation competitions internally.
- Sponsor basic proposal writing workshops for staff.
- Maximize internal relationships by introducing an award scheme for research accomplishments.
- Having open days where trainees show case their skills.
- Partnering with industry and other institutions.
