This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
Published on December 1, 2019, a one-day event in Nairobi brought together over 120 project management professionals and students to discuss the importance of project management in the modern economy.
According to Dr James Wanjagi, President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Kenya Chapter, there is a significant gap between the skills taught in universities and those required by employers. He emphasized the need for universities to work with professionals to build a curriculum that prepares students for the job market.
Dr Wanjagi also highlighted the importance of addressing the gap between internship and training to give students a smooth transition into the corporate world.
“We want to get involved in policy making, workshops, and forums with employers, especially human resource practitioners, to demonstrate the value of project management,” Dr Wanjagi said.
He added that the idea that employers only need experienced professionals and not those fresh from college must be addressed.
Irene Irungu, VP Events and Volunteer Programs at PMI, noted that the institute will organize workshops for students to improve their practical skills in training.
“We have had students in project planning and management with very good papers, but when you employ them, you start spending more time and resources training and mentoring them. It becomes expensive for employers,” Ms Irungu said.
She also revealed that research has shown that only four out of 10 fresh graduates can deliver projects when employed.
Finetexx Technology Ltd CEO Ali Hassan Kassim, who gave the keynote address, urged project managers to be innovative and transform their skills to stay relevant in the industry.
“Due to changing times in the field, we stand on the brink of an industrial revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. Our response as project managers must be integrated and comprehensive,” Mr Kassim said.
