RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS DEPARTMENT

Research and innovations department is geared toward engaging in providing an enabling environment for researchers and innovators. It is in this department where ideas are brought to reality.

INNOVATIONS

In this department we encourage trainees and trainers to bring forward innovative ideas that will not only lead to new products but also that bring new ways of doing things as they solve problems modern day problems. Trainees and trainers in Kiambu National polytechnic expected to solve problems and make life more easy by coming up with ways and technologies that are transformative in nature. Innovations are funded by the polytechnic to ensure that they come to reality and later be commercialized to provide earning to both the innovator and the polytechnic.

These innovations are later vetted and those that passes the vetting process are cleared be presented during competitions (regional, national, international etc) and various exhibitions.

Trainees with innovative ideas are encouraged to liaise with departmental champions or their respective HODs.

RESEARCH CONFERENCE

The polytechnic through the research and innovations department organizes research conferences annually. During the conference research paper presentations are done. A call for papers is done after the theme and subthemes have been identified. Research conferences bring together researchers from different fields from TVET institutions, universities, individuals both locally and internationally. During this time discussions are held surrounding the various subthemes and recommendations are made. .

Upcoming research paper presenters in the polytechnic are usually guided to come up with quality research paper. Usually this is done through trainings organized by the department to equip interested papers writers with knowledge on research paper writing..

KINAP OPEN DAY

The research and innovation department organizes open day annually. This event usually is held in the polytechnic and members of the public are invited to come and see the exhibitions and skills. Furthermore, secondary schools and other stakeholders including sponsors are usually invited to witness the kind of innovations and skills in display.

Additionally, during this event competitions are held both for skills and innovation per academic department. The winning trainees are usually recognized.

TVET FAIRS

TVET fairs are usually organized by KATTI which is an umbrella body of all TVET institutions in Kenya. There is regional, national and international levels. Usually innovations are vetted before they can be allowed to participate in such events. It is imperative then that trainees and trainers should ensure that they come up with quality innovations. In the past the polytechnic has presented contestants up to the international level.

ASK SHOWS

This event which happens annually, usually provide a platform for the polytechnic to showcase exhibitions and as well provide an opportunity to market the polytechnic. Consequently, a chance is provided for both trainees and trainers to interact with other stakeholders and borrow ideas even as they identify the trends in technology and other advancements in Science, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).