Kenya Power School opens its doors to all
What you need to know:
Kenya Power International Director Jeremiah Kiplagat said the increasing interest in the energy sector and the expansive connectivity will need sufficient local manpower to ensure the safety and quality of the services.
Lecturers from universities, which the energy studies institute will collaborate with, will also be incorporated in the fields to refresh their exposure to the changing technology in power generation, connection and maintenance.
“Technology is changing fast and as we have moved from the previous thermal to geothermal energy mix in Kenya, many dynamics have emerged and we need new skills to even support the trend towards renewable energy.
The Institute of Energy Studies and Research is gearing up to provide high skilled manpower as the country continues with its diversified expansion in the power sector.
The institution, which was previously an exclusive training institution for the Kenya Power, has since opened its doors to outsiders and revamped its curriculum to serve the wider energy industry.
Formerly known as the Kenya Power Training School, the institute has now collaborated with institutions of higher learning such as the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to enhance skills in engineering and technical arts needed as Kenya strives to generate the 5,000 megawatts of power by next year.
The institute is also part of Kenya Power International meant to provide the utility with extra revenue as energy tariffs continue to fall while the government increasingly focuses on lowering power costs.
Kenya Power International Director Jeremiah Kiplagat said the increasing interest in the energy sector and the expansive connectivity will need sufficient local manpower to ensure the safety and quality of the services.
New skills
“Technology is changing fast and as we have moved from the previous thermal to geothermal energy mix in Kenya, many dynamics have emerged and we need new skills to even support the trend towards renewable energy.
We have redesigned our courses offering and we have now a wide range of courses relevant to the energy sector as a whole. Our aim is to become the centre of excellence for the entire sector,” Mr Kiplagat said in an interview.
New technologies that will increase automation and improve revenue collection such the smart meter systems will be key focus for the training institute as Kenya attracts more investors in the energy sector including oil and gas.
The institute emphasises on practical experiences with those attending training expected to get attached to some of the ongoing projects to gain sufficient exposure in the increasingly changing sector.
Lecturers from universities, which the energy studies institute will collaborate with, will also be incorporated in the fields to refresh their exposure to the changing technology in power generation, connection and maintenance.
Mr Kiplagat said the institution is now investing in state-of-the-art laboratories to support research that will address challenges and emerging needs of the energy sector.
