Gatanga, Muranga County 30th May 2025 by Miriam Wangui.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Seeds headquarters in Thika recently held a graduation ceremony for Horticulture Producer Level 3 students from the Kenya School of Agriculture (KSA), Thika Campus. The students successfully completed a three-month practical training program at the facility, which forms part of their Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum.
The event was attended by top officials from both institutions, including KALRO Seeds Director Mr. Robert Musyoki, KSA Deputy Director Madam Pauline Njage, and the Officer in Charge of KSA Thika Campus, Engineer Gordon Nyakiti. During the ceremony, students were awarded certificates of participation in recognition of their dedication and hands-on training at the institution.
KSA students graduates at KALRO Seeds Headquarters Thika |PHOTO COURTESY MIRIAM WANGUI
The Horticulture Producer Level 3 course emphasizes practical, field-based learning, and the partnership between KSA and KALRO Seeds has played a vital role in equipping students with real-world skills. This marks the second year of the collaboration, which continues to provide students with critical exposure to horticultural best practices under the guidance of industry experts.
Engineer Gordon Nyakiti highlighted the significance of the training and announced that some graduates would soon travel to the United Kingdom for a six-month internship program under a bilateral labor agreement between the UK and the Kenyan government.
“We are proud to have prepared these students for the global stage,” said Engineer Nyakiti. “Some of them will proceed to the UK for further internship opportunities, and we wish them all the best. I also appreciate the tremendous effort put in by both KALRO and KSA teams to make this program a success.”
Madam Pauline Njage praised the partnership with KALRO Seeds, noting the immense value of the practical training provided. “Through this collaboration, our students have gained essential skills in nursery management and field operations. There is a bright future in agriculture, thanks to the hands-on experience acquired here at KALRO,” she said.
KALRO Seeds Director Mr. Musyoki handing over a graduation certificate to a KSA student.
In his address, Mr. Robert Musyoki encouraged the graduates to apply both the technical and interpersonal skills they gained during the training. “This course empowers you with both hard and soft skills,” he stated. “Hard skills such as grafting, propagation, and field management are vital, but equally important are soft skills like communication and teamwork, which help you thrive in the workplace. We at KALRO Seeds are proud to have hosted and trained you.”
The graduation ceremony marked not only the completion of the students’ training but also a celebration of the strong partnership between education and research institutions, working together to shape the future of agriculture in Kenya.
