In what is seen as a move to advance training and career development in the country, the Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology (MoHEST)  Kenya, in conjunction with the Government of the People's Republic of China has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) on scientific and technological development. The Chinese Government will fund Science and Technology Projects in local universities at a cost of sh 2.7 billion. The collaboration will see the installation of laboratory and teaching equipment in different universities in Kenya.
The Kenya Polytechnic University College (KPUC) becomes a pioneer institution to benefit from the Kenya-China Project, after the installation of Solid State Lighting (SSL) Technology Center at the institution's main campus. The Center was launched recently by the Minister for Higher Education Science and Technology (MoHEST) Prof. Magret Kamar and China's Vice Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Dr. Jianlin Cao.

In her remarks, the minister reiterated the Government's commitment in upgrading three technical institutions into fully fledged university at the end of the year as well as making KPUC the center of technology and research in the country.  She said this will form part of appraising the institution’s academic standards and training mechanism that will ensure students receive hands on exposure to modern equipment. "The Government is proud of the technological development at KPUC and we are ready to support them in every way. I urge the university to establish a center of excellence where other institutions can learn from,"she said challenging other colleges to set up centers of excellence that will identify and capitalize on technological advancements.  
Prof. Kamar assured the public that KPUC will still maintain her traditional mandate of training in diploma and certificate courses. "We have realized that we need Technologists, Technicians and Craft Persons, I am confident that with installation of SSL, KPUC will produce top technologists and graduates who will apply their skills innovatively to change the entire world," she noted adding that other SSL project will be spread to other technical institutions.

China has collaborated with Kenya in joint research, skills and technology demonstration, exchange of scientists, technologist and other experts. She said the Project will strengthen Kenya's capacity in SSL technology. It has the following components; setting of in-door SSL demonstration Center, settling of out-door SSL demonstration Center and setting a research and training center. Some of the benefits to be accrued include; offering energy savings which is environmental friendly. On his part, Dr. Cao said the Center will give KPUC students opportunity to handle systems and machinery while still on campus. He added that Kenya and China has enjoyed cordial relationships which have helped in boosting social - economical ties.

"We consider Kenya as our main partner therefore we are committed to ensuring that the country achieves the goals of Vision 2030.  We will support her in every way, in improving the standards of living of her people and empowering education institutions," he said challenging academic institutions to embrace new technologies.  Accompanying the minister was her deputy Dr. Kilemi Mwiria and Permanent Secretary (PS), Prof. Crispus M. Kiamba.