SEASON EIGHT OF THE AFRICA TECH CHALLENGE LAUNCHED
The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) will host Season Eight of the Africa Tech Challenge from July 24 – August 25 2023, targeting contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe.
The annual challenge is organized by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria observed that the technology challenge is crucial in pushing the boundaries of human potential, which will in turn create opportunity to showcase skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities at the intersection of science and technology “Through this partnership, 154 TVET institutions have been equipped with modern equipment enabling them to produce graduates with a hands-on experience to meet the current labour and industrial demands,” she said.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China representative in Kenya Ma Changyuan reiterated that the challenge will focus on the rapidly developing construction industry, notably the design component. “Contestants will be able to boost design abilities, especially in reading and drafting construction drawings using cutting-edge technology tools and the winners will be awarded internships and job opportunities among other rewards,” he said.
Technical University of Kenya (TUK) acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Shiundu said the host will endeavor to meet every aspect of the expectations, objectives and aspirations of the challenge. “Working together with the AVIC International Holding Corporation, we will all be able to mobilize and bridge our skills and the industry for the benefit of ourselves in technology advancement and also in technology transfer,” Prof. Shiundu said.
For this year’s competition, vocational institutions will create teams of four, with one instructor and three students under the age of 24.
