MMUST’s Prof. Stephen Odebero and Dr. Peter Cherop Join Developing Countries’ Officials for Vocational Education Seminar Held in China
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Prof. Stephen Odebero and Dr. Peter Cherop are among the over twenty-five (25) participants who attended the Seminar on Vocational Education for Officials from Developing Countries, held in Nanchang-China. The Seminar, which attracted delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Philippines, Mongolia and Mauritius, was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. It was organized and hosted by the JiangXi Vocational College of Foreign Studies, running from 29th April, 2025 to 19th May, 2025. Prof. Odebero is currently the Acting Principal of the MMUST TVET College, whereas Dr. Cherop is the Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE).
Prof. Odebero and Dr. Cherop visit a vocational school in China.
In an interview that was largely broadcasted on televisions in China and translated into the Chinese language, Prof. Odebero appreciated the host Government for the opportunity to attend the very informative seminar. “In Kenya, I specifically thank the Principal Secretary State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, as well as the MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo for supporting such activities,” he continued. Prof. Odebero further stated that his experience in China was great, saying that the seminar was an eye-opener in terms of integrating traditional techniques into vocational education. “I was particularly keen on the tie and dye technique, used to create unique designs on fabrics, but has largely been ignored by many countries. This is one of the traditional methods that can be utilized to not only improve teaching and learning experiences at vocational training centers, but also enhance employment prospects,” added Prof. Odebero.
Prof. Odebero and Dr. Cherop at an institutional visit.
“We had the opportunity to tour a number of cities in China, including Suzhou, Jiujiang and Wuxi, where we visited vocational colleges, as well as Universities, and were able to see how teaching and learning is conducted there. What stood out to me during the visits was the fact that these institutions had an industry or company attached to them, something that we can emulate here in Kenya,” revealed Dr. Cherop, during an interview with DCCM. According to the Associate Dean, companies in China make use of students to develop products, which once tested and verified, are used at industrial level. He added, “trainers are required to be attached to the industry for at least 6 months every 5 years, in order to keep up with the latest technologies.”
Prof. Odebero at a construction architecture workshop.
Prof. Odebero and Dr. Cherop’s participation in the China Seminar underscores MMUST’s commitment to advancing education, through global engagement and knowledge exchange. The two (2) scholars have not only placed the University on the global map, but also gained valuable insights into vocational education. This will certainly strengthen technical and vocational training at the University and across the country.
