Kitui institute of professional studies: what are the advantages of studying at KIPS?

Last week, I overheard an interesting argument between an old man and his son. The son – who looked like a recent form four graduate – wanted to be enrolled for a course at the Kitui institute of professional studies which is in Kitui town. The old man, on the other hard, seemed to be of the view that the young man should enroll for a course at the local polytechnic in their village at Nguni. So the young man faced the arduous task of demonstrating to his father why enrolling for a course (I think he wanted an accountancy course) at Kitui institute of professional studies would be the better idea... To advance his argument, the young man offered some three points.

Firstly, he pointed out that the Kitui institute of professional studies offers certifications from bodies like KNEC and KASNEB, and that one is likely to have an easier time getting a job while armed with such 'recognized' certifications.

Secondly, he pointed out that the Kitui institute of professional studies is in an urban setting (within Kitui town CBD), and that translates into a number of advantages. It translates into part time work opportunities. It translates into availability of well qualified lecturers, who are attracted to the Kitui town life (but who would be hesitant to work in the far-flung colleges). And it also translates into ‘exposure’ and networking opportunities – all being things that the young man would miss out on if he were to enroll at the Nguni college his old man was keen on getting him into.

Thirdly, he pointed out that the Kitui institute of professional studies is, by itself, a well respected institution within Kitui county. And that being an alumni of Kitui Institute of Professional Studies is likely to translate into an easier time getting a job, as the college is known to produce properly trained professionals. Plus a good number of the mid-level professionals working in and around Kitui town have passed through Kitui institute of professional studies, which means that there is an ‘old boys network’ to tap into – and that could potentially translate into opportunities.

I had to leave before the argument was over, but I got the impression that the young man had by that point succeeded in persuading his father to enroll him at the Kitui Institute of Professional Studies...