Kisumu National Polytechnic’s Chief Principal, Catherine Kelonye, has received the Gold award in the Digitally Fit awards as the Person of the Year. The award was in appreciation of her as one of the Visionaries during a function at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
The transformative leadership exhibited by Kelonye has catapulted Kisumu National Polytechnic to great heights. In particular, her struggle to create a stimulating learning environment for both students and staff received great mention. With the award, her selfless service in serving the institution with an overall impact on students has been put to recognition.
In an interview with Education News, a surprised and elated Kelonye said the recognition will motivate the teaching fraternity and staff at the institution. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o congratulated Kelonye for her transformative leadership. Last year, she also scooped an award at the Uongozi Career awards as the Principal of the Year.
Before the current post, Kelonye served at the Sigalagala National Polytechnic. At Kisumu National Polytechnic, she is credited with various transformative actions, with the institution currently undertaking a major project in textile technology. Having served in the education sector for over thirty years, she has an in-depth understanding of the ongoing reforms and is passionate about advancing the TVET agenda in Kenya.
Kelonye holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and a B.Ed. from Kenyatta University. Finally, her greatest desire is to see the youth come out of their shells and increase their employability prospects through enhancing their lives or engaging them in business startups.