Karatina University through the Directorate of Career Services, University Industry Linkages and Alumni Affairs successfully hosted its 14th Annual Career Week on 21st and 22nd May 2026 under the theme, “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Career Pathways through Education–Industry Linkages.”
The two-day event brought together students, industry professionals, alumni, education stakeholders, and secondary school learners for discussions on career development, employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The event aimed at preparing students for the dynamic labour market by strengthening the connection between academic training and industry expectations.
A section of the audience during the 14th Annual Career week at the Student Centre.
The Career Week attracted participation from students across the University as well as learners and teachers from several secondary schools, including Mathaithi Girls High School, Kanjuri Boys High School, Icuga Girls High School, Narumoro Girls Secondary School, Magutu Girls Secondary School, and St. Joseph Miiri Secondary School among others.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus Muthuri Gitonga, emphasized on the importance of early career exposure, mentorship, and informed decision-making. He noted that universities have a responsibility to nurture graduates who are innovative, adaptable, ethical, and ready to respond to industry demands. He further reaffirmed Karatina University’s commitment to strengthening collaborations with industry partners to enhance practical learning opportunities, internships, and graduate employability.
Prof. Linus M. Gitonga the Vice Chancellor addressing the audience
The Chief Guest, Dr. Joseph Wambua from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), challenged students to align their career choices with their talents, interests, and emerging opportunities in the modern economy. He highlighted the growing demand for skills in technology, artificial intelligence, agribusiness, renewable energy, digital marketing, and creative industries while encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
The Chief Guest Dr. Joseph Wambua addressing the audience
Education Consultant and Career Columnist Dr. Mutahi Miricho also guided students on making informed career choices based on their abilities and strengths. He emphasized that both university and TVET pathways offer valuable opportunities and encouraged students to develop competencies such as communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Our Alumna Ms. Evelyne Njeri poses for a photo with Miss Karatina 2026 and Miss Freshers Karu 2026 during the 14th Annual Career week
The event also featured presentations from the University’s academic schools, where Deans and representatives showcased various academic programmes and career opportunities available in different disciplines. Students also benefited from practical sessions on resume writing, employability skills, workplace expectations, entrepreneurship, and professional networking.
Industry engagement formed a key highlight of the event, with representatives from Trufoods Ltd. emphasizing the need for stronger university-industry collaborations to equip learners with practical skills that match labour market demands.
A highlight of the Career Week was the mentorship and inspirational session by Karatina University alumna Ms. Evelyn Njeri, Founder and CEO of Noevella Group. Sharing her journey from campus entrepreneurship to business leadership, she encouraged students to embrace resilience, innovation, and self-belief while pursuing their career goals.
In addition, students were sensitized on government empowerment programmes such as the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) and the Uwezo Fund, which provide financial support and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
The University leadership poses for a photo with the sponsors of the 14th Annual Career week.
The 2026 Career Week successfully provided students with a platform to interact with industry leaders, alumni, mentors, and professionals while gaining practical knowledge on career planning, employability, and entrepreneurship. The initiative reflects Karatina University’s continued commitment to nurturing industry-ready graduates and strengthening education–industry linkages that prepare students for success in an evolving global workforce.
