The Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), Prof. Laila Abubakar, signed a grant contract with the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, to lead the SKIES Rapid Tech Skills Initiative in the Coast Region. SKIES is a sub-component of the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP), a US$50 million project that is being implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, State Department for Industry, with support from the World Bank

TUM is among 8 universities selected to implement the project, including: Moi University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Mama Ngina University College (MNUC), The Open University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta University, and Kibabii University. TUM will be led by Dr. Mathew Egessa, the Chairperson of Management Science Department, as the Principal Investigator.

The SKIES Rapid Tech Skills Project is strategically designed to address the significant gap between the demand for skilled technological talent and the availability of such talent in Kenya's workforce. High-growth startups and innovative firms are in need of technical expertise to drive innovation and productivity

SKIES Rapid Tech Skills Initiative has the following objectives:

• Training and Placement to facilitate the placement of highly motivated students in 8 regional institutions of higher learning across Kenya. Through comprehensive rapid tech skills training programs, inclusive of re-tooling and capacity enhancement, students will be adequately prepared for employment opportunities within the technology sector. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant skills.
• Soft Skills and Entrepreneurship Integration by integrating soft skills and entrepreneurship training into the curriculum of rapid tech skills programs. This addition ensures that students not only gain technical knowledge but also develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial mindset. By doing so, SKIES prepares students to excel in the technology sector and contribute effectively to Kenya's entrepreneurial ecosystem

As the TUM, we warmly welcome the 33 admitted students. We are equally eager to equip them with essential rapid tech skills in Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Data Science, Entrepreneurship, and Soft Skills.