The Kabarak University Innovation Club recently undertook an educational and industry engagement visit to the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) and the Cisco Networking Academy Centre in Chiromo, Nairobi. The visit provided students with valuable exposure to emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and industry best practices while laying the foundation for strategic collaboration between academia and the technology industry.
The delegation was warmly received by the AFRALTI team, who showcased the institute's role as a regional centre of excellence in information and communication technology (ICT), telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital transformation, research, and professional capacity development. Students gained firsthand insights into AFRALTI's contribution to building Africa's digital workforce through professional training, applied research, consultancy, and partnerships with government, academia, and industry.
A major highlight of the visit was a tour of AFRALTI's state-of-the-art innovation facilities. At the Zerobionic Lab, students explored cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, machine learning, and intelligent systems. The delegation also visited Ubunifu Labs, AFRALTI's innovation and entrepreneurship hub, where they learned how innovators and startups are supported through mentorship, incubation, technical training, prototyping, and access to industry networks that help transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
The team further toured the Cisco Networking Academy Centre in Chiromo, where they interacted with advanced networking and cybersecurity laboratories. Students were introduced to enterprise networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. They are globally recognised Cisco certification programmes that equip learners with practical, industry-relevant skills for careers in the rapidly evolving ICT sector.
Beyond the technical sessions, the visit provided an opportunity to discuss potential collaboration between Kabarak University and AFRALTI. The deliberations focused on establishing partnerships in research, innovation, professional certification programmes, student mentorship, internships, startup incubation, technology commercialisation, and digital skills development. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to creating opportunities that enhance experiential learning, promote innovation, and prepare students for the demands of the digital economy.
Speaking after the visit, members of the Kabarak University Innovation Club expressed their appreciation to AFRALTI and the Cisco Networking Academy Centre for the warm reception and enriching engagements. They noted that the experience broadened their understanding of emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and the critical role of industry-academia collaboration in driving technological advancement.
The visit marks an important milestone in strengthening the relationship between Kabarak University and AFRALTI. Through future collaborative initiatives in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development, the partnership aims to equip students with industry-relevant competencies, nurture innovation-driven startups, and contribute meaningfully to Kenya's and Africa's digital transformation agenda.
