African Talent University (ATU) has launched a recruitment drive ahead of its September intake, targeting prospective students in Nyanza and western Kenya.
The university held its inaugural National Career Day on 7 August at its Buoye campus in Kisumu East, attracting more than 300 parents, students and community members.
Participants were taken through the course selection and application process on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal.
The university’s acting vice-chancellor, Dr Redempta Yeda, said the career awareness programme would continue throughout August, with activities taking place every Friday.
She said ATU had been listed on the KUCCPS portal and was accepting applications for both undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses.
“We are offering a unique, blended model of education that combines talent-based learning, experiential training and conventional academics,” Dr Yeda said.
She said the university had the facilities and teaching staff to accommodate between 500 and 800 students, including hostel and classroom spaces.
Dr Yeda said the number of places allocated to the university through KUCCPS was limited despite its capacity to accommodate more students.
The recruitment campaign is intended to increase awareness of alternative education pathways, particularly those that combine academic studies with practical and talent-based training.
The initiative has received support from local leaders and community groups.
John Obote Miruka, chief of Kawino South Location, attended the event with young people, community members and students from Kandaria Mixed, Ndoro Mixed and Ugenya Mixed secondary schools.
He said young people needed greater exposure to alternative forms of education, including talent-based learning and approaches associated with the Competency-Based Curriculum.
“Many people still believe white-collar jobs are the only way to earn a living. With talent, you become self-employed,” Miruka said.
The traditional job market is stretched, but talent-based skills open up possibilities. Francis Ogelo Uriga, an education trainer from Kawino South, said parents should recognise that academic grades did not necessarily determine a child’s ability to succeed.
“Whether a student scores a D, D- or C, there is always a practical skill they can master, be it electrical wiring or modern farming,” he said.
James Sapoko, an employee at St Barnabas Child Development Centre, also called for greater emphasis on practical skills and young people’s abilities and interests.
“The world is shifting away from traditional white-collar aspirations. We must focus on what young people can actually do, their passion and hidden potential,”he said.
“Parent and community worker Julius Kweya said he would take the message back to other parents and teachers in his area.
He said parents needed to encourage young people to explore different ways of building sustainable livelihoods.
ATU’s founding director, Prophet Humphrey Oborah, expressed concern over what he described as low university enrolment in the western region.
He called for increased public awareness of higher education opportunities available in the region.
The university says the career awareness programme will continue through August before attention shifts to the September admissions and intake process.
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