Kaiboi National Polytechnic Trainees Excel in National Tech Hackathon, Earn Awards and Paid Internships

Trainees from Kaiboi National Polytechnic have earned national recognition after emerging among top performers during the Cohort 2 Hackathon organized under the Kenya Inclusivity in Tech Initiative (KITI), hosted by University of Nairobi at the C4DLab, Chiromo Campus in Nairobi.

The highly competitive programme brought together young innovators and technology enthusiasts from different institutions across the country with the aim of nurturing digital skills, innovation, creativity and problem-solving among Kenyan youth.

The initiative began with a week-long intensive bootcamp held between April 20 and April 24, 2026, where participants underwent specialized training in digital innovation, teamwork, software development and technology-based problem solving. The trainees later advanced to the hackathon competition held from April 27 to April 30, where they were tasked with developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Kaiboi National Polytechnic fielded 14 trainees in the competition, all of whom demonstrated exceptional creativity and determination throughout the programme. Their outstanding performance placed the institution among the best-performing technical training institutions in the competition.

Among the top achievers was Nathan Ngetich, who emerged as one of the leading innovators and received a cash award of KES 16,000 for his impressive project presentation and innovation skills. Damaris Sang also performed remarkably well and was awarded KES 6,000, while Caren Korir earned KES 3,000 after showcasing innovative ideas during the challenge.

The achievement has been hailed as a major milestone for the institution and a reflection of the growing role of technical and vocational education institutions in shaping Kenya’s digital future.

Speaking following the trainees’ success, Kaiboi National Polytechnic Chief Principal Abdi Tiony congratulated the students for their dedication, discipline and commitment during the competition.

He praised the trainees for representing the institution with excellence and flying the Kaiboi flag high at the national level.

The Chief Principal further reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting innovation, technology and digital skills development among students, noting that the modern job market increasingly demands technological competence and creativity.

He said the success of the trainees demonstrates the importance of investing in practical skills and innovation-oriented learning in technical institutions.

“This achievement is a clear indication that our trainees are capable of competing at the highest level when given the right exposure and support. As an institution, we shall continue supporting innovation and empowering our students with skills that match the demands of the digital economy,” he said.

Apart from the cash prizes, all trainees who participated in the programme secured an opportunity to undertake a three-month paid internship where each participant will receive a monthly stipend of KES 30,000.

The internship programme is expected to expose the trainees to practical industry experience, mentorship opportunities and advanced digital skills that will help prepare them for employment and entrepreneurship in the technology sector.

Education stakeholders have continued to emphasize the importance of digital literacy and innovation among young people as Kenya positions itself as a regional technology hub.

Programmes such as the Kenya Inclusivity in Tech Initiative are aimed at ensuring that more young people, including those from technical training institutions, are equipped with relevant skills to participate in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

For Kaiboi National Polytechnic, the achievement not only highlights the talent and potential of its trainees but also strengthens the institution’s reputation as a center of excellence in technical training, innovation and digital transformation.

The success of the trainees is expected to inspire more students within the institution to embrace technology, innovation and research as pathways to creating solutions that address societal challenges while opening up employment opportunities in the digital space.

As the trainees prepare to begin their internship placements, the institution has expressed confidence that the exposure and experience gained through the programme will play a key role in shaping the future careers of the young innovators.