KUCCPS and Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic Collaborate to Improve Access to Specialized Courses

KUCCPS and Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic Collaborate to Improve Access to Specialized Courses

Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic has partnered with KUCCPS’ student placement system to increase access to its distinctive oil and gas industry-focused courses.

This partnership comes after the institution was upgraded to a national polytechnic in September 2024.

Five of its courses – 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 made available on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) student portal for online applications in preparation for the May 2025 intake.

The online KUCCPS application portal will close on April 30, 2025.

KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome mentioned that by including these programs on the KUCCPS portal, the institution had aligned itself with over 200 public TVET institutions, 70 universities, and 90 Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campuses that have adopted the central student placement approach.

The increasing number of institutions enrolling students through the KUCCPS application portal, including TVET colleges operated by various government ministries apart from the Ministry of Education, reflects confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the KUCCPS processes.

“Anyone applying for a course through KUCCPS cannot manipulate 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 programs offered by Morendat Institute tackle various aspects of the oil and gas sector and ensure that students are well equipped to face industry challenges and are positioned to contribute to the sustainable development of the sector, according to Dr. Kosgey.

“Morendat provides students with relevant theoretical and practical industry-driven skills and knowledge, which are essential for the fast-paced industry that powers the global economy. ”

The institute has established collaborations with international institutions to provide courses that have local and international recognition. “Currently, we offer a specialized course in welding that is ISO 9606-1 certified, meeting international welding standards. This is one of the unique courses available in the region, creating job opportunities both locally and internationally. The course lasts three months and offers students a competitive advantage in the international job market,” the Director explained.

The specialized welding program appeals to all graduates, including those who have completed Form Four, possess Bachelor’s degrees, and even Master’s holders who aim to prepare for careers abroad, according to Dr. Kosgey.

The institution is equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment that supports various international-standard welding techniques, including Stick Manual Arc Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas, and Metal Inert Gas.

At its Eldoret Campus, the institution has a fire and safety training center that provides firefighting training utilizing the latest live fire and rescue training tools, which are unique in the region. This equipment enables trainees to simulate different types of fire scenarios, thereby providing them with practical firefighting experience.
Notably, the firefighting training program has drawn the interest of county governments. Uasin Gishu County, for example, sponsored young individuals from 30 county wards who, after graduating, secured positions in North Rift counties’ fire departments. “We urge other county governments to also collaborate with Morendat,” Dr. Wahome stated.

Dr. Kosgey elaborated: “At the Nairobi campus, we have a laboratory furnished with advanced technology equipment for analytical chemistry education and testing of petroleum products. Our labs are our strong point. ” With the National Environmental Management Authority’s endorsement, environmental testing for soil, effluent, and water analysis is conducted within the laboratory.

The national polytechnic has also launched hospitality courses at its Naivasha campus. Featuring a conference center with a capacity of 54 beds, the campus aims to provide practical, hands-on industry training suited for this sensitive field. The first intake of students is planned for May 2025.

To be eligible for the three-year diploma programs, applicants must achieve a minimum mean grade of C- (minus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. For the two-year certificate programs, candidates must hold at least a minimum mean grade of D (plain).

The programs are assessed and certified 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 because of their extensive experience in pipeline operations and advanced training. Students acquire practical work experience through KPC.

To alleviate the financial burden on parents, the institution permits flexibility in the annual tuition fee payment of Kshs. 71,700.