By Brian Amiga

On June 27, the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences hosted the graduation of the second cohort of the Dual Vocational Training Program in Pharmaceutical Technology where 21 graduates were recognized for not only completing the program but also becoming ambassadors of a new era in pharmaceutical education and workforce development. Held on campus, the ceremony brought together students, faculty, industry partners, and international stakeholders to honor the remarkable journey of a transformative academic-industry partnership.

The event was graced by Ms. Irene Muchoki, Nairobi County Health Executive who commended the program for its strong alignment with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage goals. Also, in attendance was Mr. Caleb Kiprotich, the representative of AHK Kenya (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya), who applauded the growing collaboration between academia and industry in building a future-ready workforce. Speeches from industry representatives, faculty, and project stakeholders highlighted the collaborative spirit that has made the program a success. The ceremony also featured lively student testimonials, heartfelt moments of reflection, and a strong call to scale the program to reach even more aspiring professionals across Kenya and beyond.

The Dual Vocational Training Program has proven to be robust, innovative, and deeply aligned with national development goals. Launched in April 2024, the second cohort saw an initial enrollment of 25 students, with 21 completing the rigorous program a testament to the resilience, dedication, and excellence of the participants. The program, funded by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), has become a flagship model for work-integrated learning in the region, seamlessly combining classroom instruction with hands-on industrial training.

Furthermore, the program has deep-rooted collaboration with Kenya’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers so much so that the second cohort benefited from expanded industry placements across five partner sites, including: Dawa Life Sciences, Cosmos Pharmaceuticals, Biopharma Ltd, Biodeal Laboratories Ltd, and Sphinx Pharmaceuticals Ltd. These partnerships offered students a rare opportunity to gain first-hand experience in real-world pharmaceutical operations, aligning their academic learning with the evolving needs of the sector.

Inspired by the renowned Merck Pharmaceutical Training Program, the curriculum is internationally benchmarked, ensuring students are equipped with globally relevant skills. The training covered technical competencies, regulatory compliance, good manufacturing practices (GMP), and work-readiness skills, setting up graduates for immediate impact in the pharmaceutical manufacturing workforce.

This program has filled a critical skills gap in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector while fostering a culture of quality, industry-aligned learning. With the support from the university, the program is poised for scaling and long-term sustainability, offering a beacon of hope for competency-based education in Kenya and setting a precedent for how academia and industry can co-create solutions for the future of work.