A group of students from the School of Business, Karatina University, accompanied by distinguished faculty members, embarked on an enriching academic trip to Nairobi, where they visited top-tier institutions HRMPEB, KASNEB, and Nairobi Water Company. This visit, led by Dr. Beatrice Ombaka (Head of the Human Resource Development Department), alongside Dr. Esther Maina, Dr. Macharia Stephen and Mr. Samuel Wanjema, provided students with first-hand exposure to professional environments and industry expectations.
The tour was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, offering students valuable insights into their career paths. Throughout the visit, students actively engaged with professionals in the field, asking insightful and relevant questions that showcased their keen interest and academic preparedness.
The first stop was at the Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB), where the students received a warm welcome. The CEO of HRMPEB encouraged Karatina University to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the examination board to encourage students to pursue the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) qualification alongside their degree course programmes and graduate with dual certification. This strategic partnership will aim at prioritizing Karatina University students, giving them a competitive advantage in the HR field. If this is successful, it will be a golden opportunity to the students to advance their careers.
During the interactive session, students who included Erick Njoroge, Christine Murugi, and Nicholas Omuka asked thought-provoking questions that deepened their understanding of HR certifications and their impact on employability.
The second destination was KASNEB, a renowned institution responsible for professional examinations in accounting, finance, and governance. Students were exposed to career-enhancing courses such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CPS (Certified Public Secretary), and CIFA (Certified Investment and Financial Analyst). The highlight of the visit was an inspiring encounter with a Karatina University alumnus who is now an ICT personnel at KASNEB. The graduate, who completed his studies in 2021, serves as a testament to the university’s ability to produce competent professionals who excel in the job market.
Standing in for the CEO, Mr. Collins Okomo expressed admiration for Karatina University, commending the institution for nurturing top-tier professionals. His words resonated with the students, reinforcing their confidence in their university and the quality of education they receive at the premier institution.
The trip concluded with a visit to Nairobi Water Company, where students gained practical insights into corporate operations, environmental management, and the role of water resource management in urban development. Professionals from various departments took the students through real-world applications of their academic disciplines, demonstrating how HR, finance, engineering, and other fields contribute to the success of essential service industries.
The interactive nature of the session allowed students to appreciate the intersection between academic knowledge and industry practice, broadening their perspectives on career opportunities.
All in all, the trip was more than just a learning experience, it was a defining moment for the students, shaping their career outlooks and inspiring them to reach greater heights.