Regional Leaders Gather at JKUAT to Enhance Human Resource Development for NCIPs - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Prof. Jackson Kwanza, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Production and Extension in JKUAT gives his speech.*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted a key meeting for the Human Resource Capacity Building (HRCB) cluster to review progress on the 14th Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) Heads of State Summit directives. The goal was to track progress and prepare for the upcoming 15th summit in October 2024.

The meeting held on August 14, 2024 aimed to review the progress of implementing these directives, track developments, and update the implementation matrix in preparation for the 15th NCIP Heads of State Summit.

The JKUAT, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi welcomed the NCIPs partner states delegation expressing JKUAT’s pride in being a Regional Centre of Excellence for ICT and related skills within the Northern Corridor Integration Projects.

“I am pleased to acknowledge the significant progress made by the Human Resource Capacity Building Cluster. Through collaborative efforts, training programs, and knowledge exchange, we have made notable strides in enhancing our work

*Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary Ministry of Education, Kenya, signing one of the NCIPs documents after the meeting in preparation of the 15th summit in Rwanda next month*

force’s skills and competencies. These partnerships have been crucial in building a resilient and adaptable human resource base, ready to meet the evolving demands of the Northern Corridor projects,” said the Vice Chancellor in a speech read on her behalf by Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research Production and Extension

Prof. Ngumi emphasized the crucial role of academic institutions in this project saying that universities are not just centers of knowledge but incubators of innovation and talent. The Vice Chancellor further added that the varsity is committed to aligning its curricula, research, and training programs with the needs of the Northern Corridor projects, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively.

Mr. Archer Arina, Chairperson and Head of the Kenyan delegation, who is also the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Education, recalled the challenges that had delayed the meeting but expressed his satisfaction with the revival of NCIPs. He urged the need to update the status

*Mr. Archer Arina, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Education, the chairperson and head of delegation from Kenya, making his remarks.*

of the 14th NCIPs summit directives before the 15th summit, scheduled for October 2024 in Rwanda.

Dr. Alice Yalla, East African Community (EAC) Integration Secretary for the NCIPs Department, extended her gratitude to the partner states for attending the HRCB cluster meeting. She highlighted the value of learning from JKUAT’s role as a center of excellence.

“As we celebrate our achievements, we must also address the challenges ahead. The rapid pace of technological advancement and changing global trends necessitate continuous investment in capacity building at both national and regional levels to foster a collaborative approach to human resource development,” Dr. Yalla advised.

Ms. Glory Mbabazi, Head of Delegation from Rwanda and Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba, Head of Delegation from Uganda and Commissioner at the Ministry of Education and Sports, reaffirmed both of their

*Mr. Timothy Ssejjemba, Commissioner Ministry of Education and Sports from Republic of Uganda gives his remarks*

countries’ commitment to ensuring that Centers of Excellence are robust, removing non-tuition barriers, and addressing the issue of local fees for partner states.

Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary and project chairperson Mr. Julius Migos Ogamba, highlighted that no single country can achieve its development goals without focusing on Human Resource Capacity. She noted that Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda came together to form the Northern Corridor Integration Projects as a coalition of willing nations.

*Ms. Glory Mbabazi the Rwanda Representative giving her speech.*

“The NCIP was designed to generate political goodwill among the four

countries for the projects identified by the Heads of State. The 14th Heads of State Summit Joint Communique emphasized the need for developing critical infrastructure skills, reaffirming the central role of the Human Resource Capacity Building Cluster in developing the human capital required for success along the corridor,” Dr. Muoria affirmed.

The Northern Corridor Integration Projects, initially a tripartite infrastructure initiative launched in 2013 by Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, was renamed with the inclusion of South Sudan in 2015.