Diploma In Leather Technology

Overview

The Kenyan economy is largely based on Agriculture, which contributes 30% of the Gross Domestic Product. Ten per cent of this is derived from the livestock sector. The need to improve capacity in the livestock sector, therefore, cannot be overemphasized. While the sectors dealing with primary livestock products such as milk have been taken care of, the leather industry has largely been neglected. Currently, the highest qualification attainable in leather technology in Kenya is only up to certificate level, offered only at the Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI) at Kabete. A craft certificate course is also offered at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) in Nakuru. Any further acquisition of such requisite specialized knowledge in leather technology can only be accomplished by sending students abroad. This is not always timely and cost-effective. In essence, therefore, there is an overwhelming need and justification to open up opportunities for such training within locally accessible institutions. This effort should more appropriately be initiated at Diploma level, leading to the award of a Diploma in Leather Technology. The holders of the Diploma in Leather Technology would be expected to work in field extension and tannery industry, which serve to facilitate the development of expanded capacities in the leather industry and in effect, enhance the application of leather technology for application at grassroots, national and international levels. Examples of such services would include animal husbandry, slaughtering and flaying, hides and skins improvement, leather tanning, leather goods manufacture and business development, within the leather industry.

The objectives are:-

  1. To develop human resource with technical skills and practical expertise required to practice in the public and private sectors of the leather industry in Kenya and Africa.
  2. To contribute to capacity building of in-service personnel in the leather industry by providing a course leading to a diploma in leather technology.

 

  1. The course shall consist of 35-course units consisting of lectures, practical, demonstrations, seminars, Field and Industrial Attachment, Research Project and Examinations. A course unit shall be defined as 45 contact hours of lectures and practical.
  2. The course shall take a minimum of two years and a maximum of 4 years. Each academic year shall comprise of two semesters of 15 weeks duration. In addition, there shall be a third semester during the first year of study, comprising of 8 weeks duration (equivalent to 7 course units).
  3. A candidate shall be required to take a relevant Field and Industrial Attachment during the third semester of the first year of study. The institutions for attachment shall be identified by the candidate in consultation with the course coordinator and the Chairman of the Faculty Projects and Attachment Committee. During the first and second semester of the second year of study, a candidate shall be required to develop a research project proposal relevant in any of the fields of his/her interest in Leather Technology. The research proposal shall be executed and written as a technical report and submitted for examination at least six weeks before the end of the final semester. A candidate shall be expected to consult their supervisor in developing and executing the project proposal, as well as preparing the report.

The common admission requirements for diploma courses of the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine shall apply.  Applicants with the following minimum qualifications shall be admissible:

  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade C or equivalent with at least grade C in Chemistry, and one other subject such as Biology, or Physics or Physical Science.
  • KCSE mean grade C- with at least grade C in Chemistry or equivalent plus a Certificate in Leather Technology, or Hides and Skins Improvement, or Animal Health and Production, or Range Management, or Laboratory Technology or a relevant professional field from institutions recognized by the Senate.
  • ’O’ level Division III with at least a pass in Chemistry or Physical Sciences.
  • ’A’ level with a minimum of two subsidiary passes or equivalent; one of which must be in Chemistry, and the other in either Biology, or Physics, or Mathematics, or Geography.
  • Equivalent qualifications to the above from institutions recognized by the Senate.

Leather Technology

Contact the admissions office for more information