Ms. Ivy Kendi, a 2nd year student from the School of Hospitality and Human Ecology, won the Fashion Technology Award at the WorldSkills Kenya, National Competitions and Innovation. The competition was held from the 28th August - 1st September 2023 at the Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi. As a result, Ms. Kendi will represent the country in the WorldSkills International Competition set to take place in Lyon, France from September 10th - 15th 2024.
Ms Kendi’s award was formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua by Prof. Richard MakOpondo, the Director, School of Hospitality and Human Ecology in the presence of Mr. Christanto TAkumu Owour, the Director, TVET Strategy and Development, Dr. Lucy Ciera, Academic Team Leader, Department of Fashion Clothing and Textile, Mrs Lucy Ouko, Mrs. Beatrice Misati, and Ms. Kendi.
The Vice-Chancellor applauded the team for this achievement stating that he was always excited when it comes to skills development for young people. He added that when we nurture such young talent, we are not only developing the university but also the whole world. He further stressed the importance of vocational training and assured Ms. Kendi of support from the management.
“I have been involved with students and I know what it means, as such I am happy that one of our students is going abroad, I want to assure you of support not just from your lecturers but also from the Management level,” he said.
“Do not relax, this is the time to work harder to refine your skills. You should be exceptional, we want you to shine for the university and the country,” he added.
Ms. Kendi said that the competition presented her with a unique opportunity to acquire and perfect on fashion and design skills within a short period of time.
This year’s WorldSkills Kenya, National Competitions and Innovation, was organised by TVETA in collaboration with the Ministry of Education through EASTRIP Kenya Project, GIZ, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and other partners. It was themed “Transforming the Future with the Power of Skills”
The National Skills Competition brings together young people, industry, government and education institutions to create linkages for collaboration in skills development. The event is a national platform for promotion and recognition of skilled people through TVET and their importance in achieving economic growth.
WorldSkills International holds skills competency competitions every two years in different parts of the world. It comprises of 85 Member countries and regions reaching two-thirds of the world’s population while creating measurable impact at every level. Kenya was ratified as the 84th member in October 2020, and subsequently WorldSkills Kenya was established.
