Nicholas Igunza - HoD, Applied Sciences Department

The role of this office is to coordinate and supervise the implementation of applied sciences curricula. We are also tasked with placing students for industrial attachment in liaison with the Industrial Liaisons Office. The department has aligned its training programs with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework and Vision 2030 strategic thinking. We collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, such as industry and consumer groups, to deliver quality training while fostering a favorable environment for staff growth.

The department's educational philosophy emphasizes skills-based training. Our programs incorporate hands-on activities in laboratories and workshops, fieldwork, industry mentorship, and internships outside the polytechnic. Practicality, job creation, and employability are at the forefront of our mission. Students learn to integrate scientific techniques with the social, ethical, and professional dimensions of science.

The department boasts state-of-the-art laboratory and workshop facilities that support training and applied research. The scientific skills taught by our highly qualified, experienced, and motivated instructors are in high demand in industries, and our courses carry professional accreditation from leading organizations.

We are focused on producing Higher Diploma, level six (6) and level five (5) graduates with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to succeed in the present and future of Kenya, the East African region, and the global world. As Kenya strives to become an industrial hub, we ensure that our graduates acquire skills that enable them to make a positive contribution to national development. Our curricula are designed to cultivate self-directed and innovative graduates who can solve societal problems.

The department achieves its mandate through the following approaches:

• We have developed strong relationships with industry partners to ensure that all our trainees find industrial mentors to acquire practical job market skills.

• The Applied Sciences Department comprises five sections: Applied Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Science Laboratory Technology, Industrial Chemistry & Technology, and Chemical Engineering. Currently, the department offers level 5, level 6, and Higher National Diploma courses in all these sections.

• Leveraging its status as a National Polytechnic, the department is expanding its academic program to include Food Technology at level 5 and 6 and Science and Medical Laboratory Science.
• Sigalagala National Polytechnic is partnering with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with whom it has an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to offer degree programs. The development of a curriculum for Food Technology is underway, with plans to introduce the program at the degree, level 5, and level 6 levels.