- The KATTI competitions showcased the growing strength of TVET institutions in innovation, research, and practical skills development.
- Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (KFNP) reaffirmed its position as a center of excellence in technical training.
- The innovations presented reflected the ability of young TVET trainees to develop practical solutions for real world challenges.
Technical and vocational education is no longer just about acquiring skills for employment. It is about nurturing innovators, creators, and problem solvers who will shape the future of our nation.
Dr. Okumu JW Odhiambo, Secretary of the Governing Council and Chief Principal of Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (KFNP).
A Regional Convergence of Innovation and Technical Excellence
The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Western Region Skills, Innovation and Research Competitions held on the 15th to 16th May 2026 at Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic marked a defining moment for technical and vocational education and training in Kenya. The event brought together participants from 25 out of 34 TVET institutions across the Western Region, creating a vibrant platform where innovation, creativity, and applied skills were showcased at their highest level.
Over the two day event, trainees and innovators presented groundbreaking solutions spanning Engineering, Agriculture, Information Communication Technology, Building Technology, Fashion and Design, Applied Sciences, Cosmetology, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Innovation. The competition not only highlighted technical competence but also demonstrated the growing capacity of TVET institutions to respond to real societal and industrial challenges.
Leadership Anchored in Vision and Academic Excellence
At the heart of the successful hosting of the competitions was the leadership of Dr. Okumu JW Odhiambo, Secretary of the Governing Council and Chief Principal of Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (KFNP). His leadership was central in positioning the institution as a regional hub for innovation and skills development.
Dr. Odhiambo’s commitment to strengthening technical education was evident in the smooth organization of the event and the institution’s strong participation across multiple categories. Under his stewardship, Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic continues to reinforce its reputation as a center where quality training and skills acquisition are not only taught but actively demonstrated through innovation and practice.
His leadership philosophy, grounded in academic excellence and industry responsiveness, has consistently elevated the institution’s profile within the national TVET ecosystem. The successful hosting of such a large scale regional competition further cemented the polytechnic’s role as a leader in applied research and innovation.
Guided by its motto, “Ubunifu na Ujuzi,” Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic continues to position itself as a leading center for innovation, research, technical excellence, and practical skills development in Kenya’s TVET landscape.
A Showcase of Groundbreaking Innovations
The competition featured a wide range of innovations that reflected the evolving nature of technical training. In Electrical Engineering, institutions presented smart energy systems, solar load management solutions, and intelligent monitoring systems. In Civil Engineering, innovations such as climate resilient road systems and sustainable construction materials demonstrated a strong focus on environmental adaptation and infrastructure resilience.
Building Technology Innovations included multifunctional workstations, eco-friendly construction blocks, and waste recycling systems for modern housing solutions. Agriculture remained a strong pillar, with projects such as automated poultry feeders, eco-fish cages, and climate smart irrigation systems attracting significant attention.
Information Communication Technology projects stood out for their digital transformation potential, including student management systems, artificial intelligence based crop prediction tools, e-waste management platforms, and smart campus solutions. These innovations reflected a growing digital literacy among trainees and their ability to solve complex problems using technology.
In Applied Sciences, notable innovations included food product development from agricultural waste, medicinal and nutritional supplements, and sustainable consumer products. Cosmetology and fashion design categories showcased eco-friendly beauty products, zero waste garments, and creative textile recycling solutions.
Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic Performance and Recognition
Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic demonstrated commendable performance across several categories, reinforcing its position as a strong competitor and innovator in the region.
In Applied Sciences, the institution emerged among the top performers with innovations such as used oil grease conversion projects and commercialisation of golden termites. In Agriculture, the institution registered strong performance with its smallholder pivot dual door bailer innovation, which secured top ranking in its category.
In Electronics Innovation, KFNP also performed well, securing a second position with its Kaimosi Kausha machine innovation. The institution further demonstrated strength in Information Communication Technology with its smart campus connect system and e-waste management solutions.
Across multiple categories, the institution consistently appeared among the top ranked competitors, reflecting its strong training systems, dedicated faculty, and innovative student projects.
Beyond technical skills and innovation, Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic also distinguished itself in academic research, with its trainer, Mr. Sylvester Odundo, emerging Position One in the Research Paper Presentation category during the regional competitions.
The outstanding performance by KFNP earned the institution an opportunity to represent the Western Region at the National Skills and Innovation Competitions set to be hosted at Wote Technical Training Institute.
Participation and Institutional Diversity Across Western Kenya
The competition drew participation from a wide range of institutions across Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties, reflecting the growing strength and diversity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in the Western Region.
Participating institutions included Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic (host), Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Shamberere National Polytechnic, Bungoma National Polytechnic, Kisiwa National Polytechnic, Bumbe National Polytechnic, Matili Technical Training Institute, Bushiangala Technical Training Institute, Musakasa Technical Training Institute, Butere Technical Training Institute, Wanga Technical and Vocational College, Kongoni Technical and Vocational College and Webuye West Technical and Vocational College.
Other participating institutions were Sabatia Technical and Vocational College, Chamasiri Technical and Vocational College, Sirisia Technical and Vocational College, Khwisero Technical and Vocational College, Butula Technical and Vocational College, Bunyala Technical and Vocational College, Bungoma North Technical and Vocational College, Chevaywa Technical and Vocational College, Chanzeywe Technical and Vocational College, Okame Technical and Vocational College, Navakholo Technical and Training College, Mumias West Technical and Vocational College and Dr. Daniel Wako Murende Technical and Vocational College.
Shamberere National Polytechnic distinguished itself in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Cosmetology Innovations. Matili Technical Training Institute performed strongly in Mechanical Engineering, ICT systems, and Agricultural Technology Innovations. Bungoma National Polytechnic excelled in Civil Engineering, Fashion Design, and Applied Sciences, while Wanga TVC made notable contributions in Climate Resilient Infrastructure and Fashion Innovation.
Sigalagala National Polytechnic showcased strength in Environmental Technology, Cosmetology, and Engineering Systems. Other institutions such as Kongoni TVC, Sabatia TVC, and Butula TVC also demonstrated strong participation, particularly in Applied Sciences, ICT, and Vocational Skills categories.
A Platform for Future Skills and Innovation Development
Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic and Sigalagala National Polytechnic emerged as the best overall performing institutions at the KATTI Western Region Skills and Innovation Competitions 2026, tying at position one and reaffirming the growing strength of TVET education in Western Kenya.
The KATTI Western Region Skills and Innovation Competitions 2026 demonstrated the critical role of TVET institutions in shaping Kenya’s future workforce. The diversity of innovations presented reflected a shift towards practical, solution oriented education that responds directly to community, industrial, and environmental challenges.
The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration among institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in strengthening technical education. By providing a platform for benchmarking, networking, and showcasing talent, the competition contributed significantly to the advancement of skills development in the region.
The successful hosting of the KATTI Western Region Skills and Innovation Competitions at Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic stands as a testament to the growing strength of TVET education in Kenya. Under the leadership of Dr. John Wycliffe Odhiambo Okumu, the institution continues to set high standards in training, innovation, and institutional excellence.
As the participating institutions return to their campuses, the ideas, innovations, and experiences gained from the competition are expected to inspire further research, development, and practical solutions that will continue to transform industries and communities across the region.
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