Forth Valley College has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Kenya at the UK-Kenya Business Forum 2026, held today (Thursday 22 January 2026).
The high-profile event - co organised by the British High Commission Nairobi and the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) - provides a strategic platform for government leaders, investors and business executives from across both nations to strengthen bilateral trade and investment partnerships.
The Forum focuses on opportunities across key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, digital innovation and infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The signing builds on growing collaboration between the two organisations, following a recent fact finding delegation from NITA to Forth Valley College, which followed the College’s own visit to NITA headquarters in Nairobi last year.
Representing Forth Valley College in Kenya were Colin McMurray, Vice Principal for Business and Innovation, and Jamie Allan, Global Partnership Manager, with Colin signing the MoU on the College’s behalf.
Colin was also part of a panel during a roundtable session at the conference focused on AI in Business & Digital Skilling.
NITA is a state corporation responsible for promoting the highest standards of industrial training and ensuring a strong supply of well trained talent across Kenya’s industries. As part of its remit, NITA seeks to work with international partners to strengthen training, industry engagement and innovation.
The MoU establishes a framework for both organisations to work together to develop high quality skills, training and learning opportunities, while making the best use of their respective assets, facilities and expertise. It also outlines a shared commitment to designing and delivering innovative curriculum, exploring joint funding opportunities, progressing future partnership projects, and supporting wider knowledge exchange and industry engagement initiatives.
Witnesses to the MoU signing were Dr Ed Barnett MBE, the Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion and John Mwendwa, OGW, CEO, Kenya Investment Authority.
Other conference attendees on the day included Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary, Kenyan State Department for Trade and John Humphrey, HM Trade Commissioner for Africa.
Colin McMurray, said: “The MoU between Forth Valley College and NITA reflects a shared ambition to deepen economic cooperation, enhance skills development, and create meaningful opportunities for industry and communities in both nations.
“Following NITA’s recent visit to the College - where we were able to demonstrate the strength of our facilities, expertise and approach to delivering skills - we are delighted to formalise our partnership through this agreement, and we look forward to working collaboratively, meeting their evolving needs and driving forward innovative solutions.
“During their time in Scotland, the NITA delegation expressed strong appreciation for the professionalism, organisation and delivery standards they observed across the College, and we are committed to building on this positive foundation as we strengthen our partnership.
“We would also like to thank Frazer Lang, CEO and Founder of the Scottish Africa Business Association for his support with facilitating the partnership with NITA.
“This agreement further consolidates our reputation as a global leader in skills, industry training and innovation, reflecting the confidence of partners worldwide in our expertise and the growing demand to collaborate with us in shaping future focused education. It also reinforces our commitment to sharing best practice and co developing world class learning opportunities”
Ms. Theresa Wasike, who signed the MoU on behalf of NITA, said:
“The signing of this MoU signifies great strides towards enhancing skills by NITA.
“Forth Valley delivers inclusive education and training that empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This is akin to NITA’s mandate of enhancing skills development to meet both the local and international skills demands.
“During our visit to Scotland, it was noted that Forth Valley College has specialised in skills-based training in key technological fields.
“Additionally, the delegation from Forth Valley was impressed with NITA’s role in skills development in Kenya and more specifically the apprenticeship programme where employers play a critical role.
“Forth Valley’s willingness to partner with the Authority in enhancing Industrial Training with a key focus on technical education and skills development for diverse career readiness will greatly benefit the Kenyan youth in labour mobility.”
For more information on international activity at Forth Valley College, please click here
