Former Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology Daniel Mutai was named the third-best in the world during the 2022 World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards of Excellence.
Mutai, who sits at the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions governing council was christened the winner of the bronze medal in the leadership in diversity and inclusion category.
The educationist, who was feted alongside other professionals in technical and vocational training in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, welcomed the award, terming it an honour. He further pledged to push for inclusion in learning institutions.
“I am indeed truly and deeply honoured to accept the leadership in diversity and inclusion award accorded to me. This is such a momentous and important occasion at the hallmark of my life.
“I pledge to continue in my efforts to champion diversity and inclusion, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and bring about positive change for youth empowerment in Kenya and globally,” he stated.
Furthermore, he dedicated the award to fellow TVET instructors across the world, especially those who strive to uphold equity, integrity, inclusivity and diversity in leadership.
A holder of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Education, Communication and Technology from Moi University, Mutai has a vast experience in leadership in various technical training institutes and national polytechnics.
He has also supervised and guided the establishment of four young technical training institutions such as Bureti, Belgut Vocational Training College and Kericho Township Vocational College.
Dawn Ward from the Burton and South Derbyshire College and Jane Ngobia, who is the Vice President at Canadian-based Sheridan Collage bagged gold and silver respectively.
Ward doubles a the Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics and has been feted severally including by Queen Elizabeth who named her a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2015.
Ngobia is the Co-Founder and Director at Shirika Canada, a charity and consultancy that promotes sustainable socioeconomic growth in rural communities through capacity building and the provision of management and technical services.
Institutions feted include Humber College, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Box Hill Institute, Niagara College and CONIF, which featured in the top five in the global citizenship category.
The congress was attended by more than 1,000 professionals from more than 50 countries across the world. Among issues discussed were the future of work, equity and inclusion, migration, and sustainability. in the TVET field.
The scholar's recognition came a few days after Still I Ride International School based in Mathare was shortlisted among the top 10 in the World's Best School - a prize that recognizes schools that have developed expertise in five key areas.
In a ranking by T4 Education, the school was listed among the top in the Community Collaboration category which awards institutions that integratively work with their communities to secure solid grounds necessary for the children’s progress.
