ICS Technical College has launched a Russian language training programme in partnership with the Path to Russia Foundation and Moscow Polytechnic University to widen the scope of opportunities in the international circles.

The move was to enable the students expand opportunities for higher education, scholarships and employment abroad. The programme, which will initially run for three months and be offered free of charge, is expected to benefit students pursuing technical and vocational training by introducing them to the Russian language and culture while strengthening links between Kenyan and Russian educational institutions.

Speaking in Nairobi during the launch, ICS Technical College Registrar Reinhard Amunga said the institution had embraced the initiative to ensure students acquire skills that improve their competitiveness in an increasingly globalized labour market.

Amunga noted that foreign language proficiency has become an important requirement in many international employment sectors and would give graduates an advantage when seeking opportunities beyond Kenya.

“Our students need exposure to global opportunities and foreign languages are becoming an important component of employability and career advancement,” he said.

Path to Russia Foundation Regional Coordinator Erick Ochieng’ said the Kenyan-registered organisation was working with Russian institutions to bridge educational and cultural gaps between Kenya and Russia.

Ochieng’ explained that the programme would be delivered virtually by instructors from Moscow Polytechnic University every Wednesday and Friday and would culminate in participants receiving certificates issued by the university. He said the initiative seeks to provide Kenyan students with access to opportunities that would otherwise be costly to pursue abroad.

“The Russian language is not widely taught in Kenya, yet it offers access to higher education, scholarships and employment opportunities. Through this programme, we are creating pathways for Kenyan students to access those opportunities,” he said.

According to Ochieng’, students who excel in the programme may qualify for partial or fully funded scholarships to pursue further studies in Russia.

He revealed that the Foundation is also partnering with Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics to introduce a specialised programme targeting Information Technology students.

Under the arrangement, selected IT students will undertake Russian language studies before progressing to advanced academic programmes in technology-related fields.

“The Moscow Technical programme will run for nine months and will target students interested in Information Technology. Outstanding learners will have opportunities to compete for scholarships and further studies in Russia,” he said.

Ochieng’ explained that the institution plans to identify a select group of learners from communication and information technology programmes who will participate in advanced training and compete academically alongside students undertaking similar courses in Russia.

The programme is open to all students who have attained the minimum qualifications required for admission to college and university, with organisers noting that it is designed primarily for tertiary-level learners.

He said the foundation also runs similar initiatives in primary and secondary schools, although the content differs according to the educational level, with younger learners focusing on cultural exchange and communication skills.

During a question-and-answer session, students sought clarification on certification, accreditation, costs and future progression opportunities.

Ochieng’ assured participants that the inaugural programme would remain free during the pilot phase, adding that discussions were ongoing with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) regarding registration and accreditation of the course.

He explained that the current three-month period would serve as a pilot phase as the necessary documentation and approval processes are undertaken.

“Once the registration process is complete and there is sufficient demand, we hope to introduce physical classes at ICS Technical College in addition to the online sessions,” he said.

He further disclosed that Moscow Polytechnic University representatives are expected to visit the institution as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and provide students with direct engagement opportunities.

The Foundation reported that 40 students had already registered for the programme at Michuki National Polytechnic, while a similar number is being targeted for the inaugural cohort at ICS Technical College.

Organisers said the programme would admit a maximum of 40 students per class, although additional cohorts and instructors could be introduced if demand increases.

Addressing concerns over timetable conflicts, Ochieng’ assured students that online lessons would be recorded and made available to participants who may miss live sessions due to academic commitments.

He said learners would also be provided with access to university information and academic pathways to enable them to explore further education opportunities in Russia after completing the course.

The launch reflects growing international collaboration in Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector aimed at equipping learners with global competencies, enhancing cultural exchange and expanding access to international education and employment opportunities.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Aron Kinyamasyo