KUCCPS and Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic Collaborate to Improve Access to Unique Courses
Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic has teamed up with KUCCPS’ student placement process to enhance access to its distinct oil and gas industry-focused courses.
This collaboration comes after the institution’s elevation to a national polytechnic in September 2024.
Five of its programs – Diploma in Petroleum Management, Diploma in Welding and Fabrication, Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, Diploma in Environmental Science and Certificate in Welding and Fabrication – have been listed on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) student portal for online application in preparation for the May 2025 intake.
The online KUCCPS application portal will close on April 30, 2025.
KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome remarked that by listing the programs on the KUCCPS application portal, the institution had joined over 200 public TVET institutions, 70 universities, and 90 Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campuses that have adopted the central student placement system.
The increasing number of institutions enrolling students through the KUCCPS application portal, including TVET colleges operated by other government ministries besides the Ministry of Education, reflects confidence in the integrity and effectiveness of the KUCCPS processes.
“Anyone applying for a course through KUCCPS cannot falsify KCSE results as we obtain that information directly from KNEC,” Dr. Wahome stated during a meeting with Morendat Institute Director, Dr. Nancy Kosgey, at the KUCCPS offices in Nairobi.
The five Morendat Institute’s programs cover various aspects of the oil and gas industry and ensure that students are adequately prepared for industry challenges and positioned to aid in the sector’s sustainable development, according to Dr. Kosgey.
“Morendat provides students with relevant theoretical and practical industry-driven skills and knowledge, which are essential for the evolving industry that propels the world. ”
The institute has established partnerships with international institutions to provide courses that are acknowledged both locally and globally. “At present, we have a specialized welding course, which is ISO 9606-1 certified, fulfilling international welding requirements. This is one of the unique courses offered in the region that provides job opportunities both locally and internationally. It is a three-month course and grants students an international competitive advantage,” the Director elaborated.
The specialized welding course appeals to all graduates ranging from Form Four leavers to Bachelor’s and even Master’s degree holders who are preparing for careers abroad, according to Dr. Kosgey.
The institution’s advanced training equipment facilitates various international-standard welding processes, including Stick Manual Arc Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas, and Metal Inert Gas.
At its Eldoret Campus, the institution houses a fire and safety training center that provides firefighting training utilizing the latest live fire and rescue training equipment, which is unique in the region. This equipment enables trainees to simulate various types of fire, thereby providing them with real-life firefighting experience.
Notably, county governments have shown interest in the firefighting training program. For example, Uasin Gishu County funded youths from 30 county wards who, after graduating, were hired by North Rift counties in their fire departments. “We urge other county governments to also collaborate with Morendat,” stated Dr. Wahome.
Dr. Kosgey remarked: “At our Nairobi campus, we possess a laboratory outfitted with state-of-the-art technology for analytical chemistry training and testing of petroleum products. Our laboratories are our strength. ” With the approval of the National Environmental Management Authority, the laboratory also conducts environmental testing for soil, effluent, and water analysis.
The national polytechnic has also launched hospitality courses at its Naivasha campus. With a conference centre that can accommodate 54 beds, the campus aims to provide practical, hands-on industry training suitable for this sensitive field. The first intake of students is set for May 2025.
To be eligible for the three-year diploma programs, applicants must possess a minimum mean grade of C- (minus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. For the two-year certificate programs, candidates require a minimum mean grade of D (plain).
The programs are assessed and accredited by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), which ensures that the training aligns with national education standards.
Morendat Institute employs Kenya Pipeline staff as trainers due to their extensive experience in pipeline operations and advanced training. Students acquire work experience from KPC.
To alleviate the financial burden on parents, the institution provides flexibility in the payment of the annual tuition fee of Kshs. 71,700.