The Chief Principal,

The Eldoret National Polytechnic,

Mr. Charles Koech

I most sincerely welcome all our distinguished guests, presenters, participants, and
researchers to the Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) and this year's Conference on
Competencies in Applied Research, Science, and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
TENP is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and this 12th conference puts to the test our unwavering
commitment to meeting our Quality Policy Statement on research as a critical component of
institutional growth and progress.

On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the
Chief Guest and all other distinguished guests for gracing us with their presence and valuable
time at the conference. We truly appreciate the fact that, despite your numerous
commitments, you took the time to join us and contribute to the success of this conference.
More so, I would like to extend our gratitude to the Governing Council through the Chair,
Prof. Eng. Sitati, for allocating funds towards research including the organization of this
year’s conference.

The demand for TVET and the implementation of Competency-Based Education and
Training (CBET) curricula are indeed dynamic tools for future prosperity. These are the
Kenyan government initiatives to bridge the skills gap, empower trainees with relevant and
industry-specific knowledge, and enhance overall economic growth. To support this agenda, I
am glad to report that 115 trainers have already been retained for this purpose, and more are
likely to retrain in proactive steps.

The Eldoret National Polytechnic is committed to implementing sustainable practices on

campus. As part of its greening activities, the institution has introduced the use of biogas fuel
in its main kitchen. This initiative helps reduce the dependence on traditional fossil fuels,
promoting environmental conservation and minimizing carbon emissions. Another
noteworthy effort is the tree-planting activities carried out by the polytechnic. By planting
trees, the institution aims to contribute to reforestation efforts and create a greener campus
environment. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the institution but also helps
combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and improving air quality.

The institution has established and equipped computer laboratories, including the recently
launched Jitume, to improve access to computer training and high-speed internet that support
the ODEL classes and e-learning resources to supplement the library's learning materials. We
place great emphasis on cultivating excellence not only in academics but also in co-curricular
activities. The key areas where our institution has excelled include fostering excellence in
music, drama, and track events. These co-curricular activities enhance students' overall
growth, instil a sense of discipline, teamwork, and confidence, and help them become well-
rounded individuals ready to excel in their chosen fields beyond the classroom.

In addition to nurturing students' skills, the Polytechnic also understands the importance of
community involvement. The institution actively participates in agricultural shows and trade
fairs. The polytechnic showcased its high-quality breed cows, highlighting the advancements
and achievements in the field of agriculture. This serves as a platform to not only promote
agricultural practices but also to demonstrate our contributions to the local community and
the agricultural industry as a whole

Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation to the Research Team, under the leadership of
Mrs. Jane Kiprono, Deputy Principal, Research and Extension, and Dr. George Oluoch,
Coordinator, Research and Development who have relentlessly worked to ensure the success
of this conference. It is also crucial to recognize and appreciate the efforts of our partners,
specifically Jitume, Bajaj and Young Africa Works - Kenya. Their involvement has allowed
us to broaden our impact and make a meaningful difference as we discharge our mandate.
Together, we are building a brighter future and creating opportunities for growth and
empowerment.

Thank you!