Community Outreach, Linkages and Partnership (COLAP)
The Directorate of Community Outreach Linkages and Partnerships (COLAP) coordinates community outreach activities, partnerships and international engagement across the university. It is a one stop shop for international students and staff on exchange programmes. We look beyond the local space to engage a wider global community in our functions. By enhancing communication with the community, we provide unique insights to our work and build public trust. We are committed to partnering with the community to promote national and international cohesion and enhance institutional capacities through establishing collaborations with key stakeholders and participating in community programmes.
Goal/Main objective
- To strengthen institutional capabilities and promote community engagement through internationalization, establishment of strategic linkages and partnerships and community outreach programmes.
Vision
- Enhanced development of the University through linkages with the local and international community
Mission
- To Promote collaboration, establish, and maintain positive relationship with local and international community to strengthen the institutional capabilities of the University
Core Values
- Integrity and impartiality
- Academic Freedom
- Creativity and Innovation
- Professionalism
- Team Spirit
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Technical University of Kenya’s outreach program is designed to enhance the university’s engagement with the community. Through participation in various activities, the program creates community linkages that offer support to the university’s training and research goals. The Kenyan education sector is undergoing a paradigm shift, one that calls for knowledge transfer to directly impact the country’s ability to solve emerging challenges. With the rise in demand for creative home-grown solutions, TU-K’s outreach program provides an avenue to expose key expertise to the corporate world. Through community engagement in professional and charity programs, the university is poised to develop industry linkages that will inform the educational approach to training of young and talented individuals. Such programs will open the door to enhanced institutional development through Public Private Partnerships that will bridge existing gaps and facilitate improved service delivery to the university’s stakeholders. The outreach program will aim to enhance the corporate image of the university by leveraging on the vast expertise of the university fraternity and the good will of our partners, to impact the community.
LINKAGES, AND PARTNERSHIPS
Linkages and Partnerships are an integral resource that the University leverages on to enhance educational and research opportunities, such as networking and internationalization of TU-K Programmes. Therefore, TU-K continuously seeks, establishes and invigorates the existing linkages and partnerships to inter alia access research facilities, expertise, foster entrepreneurship, develop technology, and avail opportunities for its students and faculty to commercialize their research outcomes. Additionally, TU-K collaborates with other educational institutions and industry experts in developing and updating various curricula thereby ensuring that academic programmes are aligned with current industry standards and technological advancements. To achieve the foregoing, the University undertakes the following forms of linkages and partnership |; - 1. Industry partnerships with various industries that offer our students practical experience through internships thus bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. 2. Research and Development collaborations with businesses where students and faculty work on real-world problems in partnership with industry leaders. 3. Government and Non-Profit Collaborations on various community service projects and public policy research hence addressing societal challenges and, contribute to community development. 4. Funding and Grants partnership with government bodies and non-profit organizations that can provide funding and grants for research projects, infrastructure development, and educational programs
THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
About
The International Office at the Technical University of Kenya is a dynamic resource that is strategically placed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment to the global community. As such the University has developed processes and assistance mechanisms that anchor and expand internationalization of its programmes as well as facilitate the establishment and maintenance of international partnerships and linkages hence, collaborative research, joint programs, and academic exchanges.
The University aligns its globalization activities to its Strategic Plan to effectively manage and support its diverse community in response to: -
A shift in the education, research, and information systems;
Increase in the student and faculty population, expectations, and awareness; and
The need to participate in cultural exchanges and diversity thereby, enrich our students’ global perspective and understanding.
Contact Us
Services
The international Office at TU-K offers a range of services designed to support international students, faculty and staff as well as enhance their academic and personal experiences while promoting the university’s global engagement. The services are: -
- Logistical support to local and international students, faculty, and staff on: -
- Visa application when traveling in and out of Kenya
- immigration regulations and policies in Kenya and other international destinations.
- Orientation and integration programmes and sessions that help new international students and staff in acclimating to life in the University and its environment.
- Offer academic support in consultation with the Academic Registrar, on course selection, requirements, and resources.
- Cultural and social integration services that include information and guidance on cultural and social events and visitation. These events and visitations include international festivals, cultural workshops, student’s clubs and societies and visits to various National Parks and Game Reserves in Kenya.
- Provide TU-K Students, staff and faculty information, requirement, and guidance on: -
- study abroad programs,
- international internship
- student/faculty exchange programmes
- global partnerships, collaboration and linkages
- Provide support to international students during international crises, health services, safety and security protocols, and emergency contacts.
- Administrative Support with obtaining and processing necessary documentation, such as letters of admission, cover letters, management of finances i.e. advice on banking for international students.