Industry experts have urged university students to take full advantage of short courses and practical training opportunities beyond their academic programmes to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
The experts spoke during an engagement forum organized by the School of Biosystems and Environmental Engineering (SOBEE) on April 24, 2026. The forum brought together SOBEE alumni, who shared their professional experiences and insights on the skills required to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace
Many of the alumni noted that while academic qualifications remain important, employers are increasingly prioritizing practical skills, adaptability and hands-on experience. They encouraged students to go beyond classroom learning and actively seek opportunities that build real-world competencies.
The engagement forum brought together students and alumni in an interactive session that highlighted career pathways, industry expectations and the importance of continuous learning in a competitive job market.
Speaking during the forum, the Chair of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department, Dr. Kipchumba Cherono, urged students to draw lessons from the alumni’s extensive and distinguished professional experience.
Halake Guyo, a lecturer in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at JKUAT, shared his inspiring academic journey, tracing his rise from a humble background in Marsabit to academic excellence at the university before proceeding to pursue a master’s degree in Japan. He previously served as a student leader, rising to chair the JKUAT students’ body.
He encouraged students to complement their academic training with additional skills such as programming to gain a competitive edge in the job market, underscoring the value of hard work and continuous self-improvement in achieving academic and professional success.
“Education equalizes people from different backgrounds by creating opportunities for all. I owe my experience in Japan to education. Courses like GIS will bring international opportunities for you in the future. Programming is also a highly sought-after skill in the job market and it is something you can learn in your free time,” said Mr Guyo.
Another alumnus of the School, John Gathenya, a Professor of Agricultural Engineering at JKUAT, urged students to seize every opportunity that comes their way. He shared his experience studying in Germany, where he learned German to adapt to a new environment. He encouraged students to remain flexible and prepared to adjust to emerging opportunities.
“Versatility is the most invaluable quality in professional life. Do not be confined to the title of your degree. Instead, be ready to adapt and remain consistent in whatever role you are entrusted with. Be persistent and push forward even when faced with unfavorable odds. Have faith in your professional journey,” said Prof. Gathenya.
Students were further urged to utilize professional resources available to them, such as LinkedIn, to showcase their academic achievements to potential employers. They were also encouraged to keep track of university-linked opportunities facilitated through the JKUAT Alumni International Students Office (ALISO), which is dedicated to helping students access international opportunities.
To stay ahead of the curve, SOBEE is offering niche programmes such as the Master’s in Sanitation to enhance graduates’ competitiveness in the job market. The school is also set to introduce a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, with the first cohort expected to join in the September intake. SOBEE continues to grow in both size and prestige, expanding its training portfolio and strengthening student support services.
