KUCCPS and Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic Collaborate to Improve Access to Distinctive Courses
Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic has partnered with KUCCPS’ student placement process to extend broader access to its distinctive courses oriented towards the oil and gas industry.
This collaboration arises 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 made available on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) student portal for online application in anticipation of the May 2025 intake.
The online KUCCPS application portal is scheduled to close on April 30, 2025.
KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome remarked that by incorporating the programs onto the KUCCPS application portal, the institution has 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 system.
The increasing number of institutions enrolling students through the KUCCPS application portal, including TVET colleges managed by other government ministries apart from the Ministry of Education, indicates confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the KUCCPS processes.
“Individuals applying for courses through KUCCPS cannot falsify KCSE results as we obtain those 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 address various dimensions of the oil and gas industry and ensure that students are adequately equipped for industry challenges and prepared to contribute to the sector’s sustainable development, according to Dr. Kosgey.
“Morendat provides students with relevant theoretical and practical skills driven by industry needs, which are essential for the dynamic sector that powers the global economy. ”
The institute has established partnerships with international institutions to deliver courses that are recognized both locally and globally. “At present, we offer a specialized course in welding that is ISO 9606-1 certified, conforming to international welding standards. This course is one of the unique offerings in the region, providing job opportunities both locally and internationally. It is a three-month program that gives students an international competitive advantage,” the Director elucidated.
The specialized welding course also appeals to all graduates, from Form Four leavers to Bachelor’s degree and even Master’s holders, who are aiming to prepare for careers abroad, according to Dr. Kosgey.
The institution’s state-of-the-art training apparatus conducts various internationally recognized welding processes, including Stick Manual Arc Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas, and Metal Inert Gas.
Within its Eldoret Campus, the institution features a fire and safety training center that provides firefighting training utilizing the latest live fire and rescue training equipment that is unique in the region. This apparatus enables trainees to simulate different categories of fire, thereby offering them practical firefighting experience.
Notably, the firefighting training program has garnered the attention of county governments. Uasin Gishu County, for example, sponsored youths from 30 county wards who, upon graduation, were employed by North Rift counties within their fire departments. “We urge other county governments to also collaborate with Morendat,” stated Dr. Wahome.
Dr. Kosgey further noted: “At the Nairobi campus, we have a laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology for analytical chemistry training and testing of petroleum products. Our laboratories constitute our strength. ” With the approval of the National Environmental Management Authority, environmental testing for soil, effluent, and water analysis is also carried out in the laboratory.
The national polytechnic has also launched hospitality courses at its Naivasha campus. With a conference centre that has a capacity of 54 beds, the campus aims to provide practical, hands-on industry training suitable for this sensitive discipline. The inaugural intake of students is planned 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 are required to have a minimum mean grade of D (plain).
The programs are assessed and certified by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), ensuring that the training adheres to national education standards.
Morendat Institute collaborates with 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 permits flexibility in the payment of the annual tuition fee of Kshs. 71,700.