RVTTI Eyes China Partnership to Boost Renewable Energy Skills, Jobs and Technology Transfer

By Wasike Elvis

 Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) is exploring a potential partnership with Longvolt Energy Co., Ltd., a China-based renewable energy company specialising in photovoltaic systems and lithium-battery energy storage.

The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen technical and vocational training in renewable energy while creating opportunities for technology transfer, innovation and skills development among learners and trainers.

A delegation from Longvolt Energy held discussions with RVTTI on potential areas of cooperation and gave positive feedback on the proposed partnership. The two sides are now working towards signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that would provide a framework for the collaboration.

The partnership could see RVTTI expand its capacity in renewable energy training, particularly in solar photovoltaic technology and lithium-battery energy storage systems. It is also expected to expose learners and trainers to modern technologies and industry practices, helping equip students with skills relevant to Kenya’s growing renewable energy sector.

Stephen Kemboi, Deputy President, applauded the proposed partnership, describing it as a good move that could create valuable opportunities in technical training, innovation and employment.

Kemboi noted that partnerships between training institutions and international companies can help young people acquire practical skills that match the changing demands of the job market, particularly in emerging sectors such as renewable energy.

Also present was RVTTI Board of Management Chairman Eng. Prof. David K. Some, who welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed the institution’s readiness to work with Longvolt Energy.

Prof. Some said the collaboration would be beneficial to RVTTI, particularly in strengthening renewable energy training, improving skills development and giving learners greater exposure to modern technologies used in the industry.

He said the institution is prepared to work closely with the Chinese company to ensure the proposed partnership delivers meaningful benefits to learners, trainers and the wider community.

Beyond training, the proposed partnership is expected to promote technology transfer and innovation, allowing RVTTI to strengthen practical learning and improve its ability to respond to emerging demands in the energy industry.

Learner safety is also among the areas expected to benefit from the collaboration, alongside efforts to create employment opportunities for young people equipped with technical skills in renewable energy.

The proposed cooperation comes as Kenya continues to expand its focus on clean energy and technical skills development, creating increasing demand for workers with specialised knowledge in solar energy, energy storage and related technologies.

For RVTTI, the partnership would also strengthen international cooperation and build closer links between Kenyan technical institutions and Chinese renewable energy companies.

If finalised, the collaboration between RVTTI and Longvolt Energy is expected to contribute to skills development, renewable energy training, technology transfer, innovation and job creation, while further strengthening China–Kenya cooperation in the clean energy and technical education sectors.

The ongoing discussions mark another step towards positioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of Kenya’s transition to sustainable energy and a source of practical employment opportunities for young people.