Eng. Felix Barclays Odhiambo: Championing a Digital Future for TVET

Eng. Felix Barclays Odhiambo, Principal of Siaya National Polytechnic, is proving that bold leadership and technology can transform technical education.

His recognition with the Principal of the Year Award, alongside Siaya National Polytechnic’s honour as Digitally Fit National Polytechnic of the Year, is a powerful endorsement of his progressive leadership and the institution’s digital transformation journey.

Under his stewardship, the polytechnic is embracing technology not as a luxury, but as a practical tool for teaching, innovation, accessibility and better student services.

Through platforms such as WhatsApp and social media, students can access learning materials, instructional videos and online training. This approach is particularly impactful for students from modest backgrounds, helping bring quality learning closer to them through technology they already have.

But Eng. Odhiambo’s vision goes much further.

With government support, the institution is developing Virtual Reality laboratories that will enable students to practise complex, costly and potentially dangerous procedures in safe simulated environments. From underwater welding to chemical experiments and specialised mechanical training, VR will give learners valuable practical exposure while reducing risk and training costs.

The institution is also investing in modern laboratories, digital classrooms and online teacher training, creating a more flexible learning environment. Recorded lessons will allow students to revisit classes, revise difficult concepts and strengthen their skills through simulations.

Just as importantly, digitalisation is transforming student services. Learners can access information such as fee balances online, while digital payment updates and student check-in systems reduce unnecessary paperwork, queues and trips to administrative offices.

What makes Eng. Odhiambo’s achievement even more remarkable is his emphasis on teamwork. Rather than claiming the success for himself, he credits the dedicated staff whose tireless efforts have helped position Siaya National Polytechnic as a digitally progressive institution.

His leadership reflects a simple but powerful philosophy: TVET must evolve with the world it serves.

The modern technician needs more than practical skills. They need digital competence, innovation, adaptability and exposure to emerging technologies. By integrating traditional hands-on training with digital platforms, simulation and virtual reality, Eng. Odhiambo is helping prepare young people for the jobs and industries of tomorrow.

His achievement is therefore bigger than two awards.

It is a story of vision translated into action, technology turned into opportunity, and leadership focused squarely on the success of young people.

Eng. Felix Barclays Odhiambo is not merely managing a polytechnic.

He is helping build the digital future of TVET in Kenya.