Organisation of IAESTE Kenya

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Kenya is a national chapter of the global IAESTE network, which promotes international understanding and professional development through practical training exchanges for students in science, engineering, technology, and applied arts. Established under the framework of IAESTE A.s.b.l, IAESTE Kenya operates with a structured, collaborative, and transparent organizational model that ensures effective coordination of its national and international activities while aligning with the core values of the global IAESTE community—trust, respect, professionalism, and mutual benefit.

At the national level, IAESTE Kenya is governed by the National Committee (NC), which serves as the highest decision-making body. The NC oversees all IAESTE operations within the country, including partnerships with government agencies, universities, industry partners, and international counterparts. The committee is typically composed of representatives from major Kenyan universities, industry liaison officers, and key stakeholders from the Ministry of Education or related government bodies. It formulates national policies, manages international relations, and ensures compliance with IAESTE global standards. The NC also coordinates the exchange program, ensuring that Kenyan students are placed in appropriate international internships and that foreign trainees hosted in Kenya receive quality professional and cultural experiences.

Beneath the National Committee is the National Secretariat, which functions as the administrative and operational hub of IAESTE Kenya. The Secretariat handles day-to-day activities, including correspondence with IAESTE International, marketing of exchange opportunities, coordination of incoming and outgoing students, and financial management. It also plays a key role in organizing orientation sessions, cultural integration programs, and follow-up evaluations for trainees. The Secretariat is usually led by a National Secretary, who acts as the principal link between the international IAESTE Secretariat in Luxembourg and the Kenyan National Committee.

IAESTE Kenya also includes Local Committees (LCs) based at participating universities across the country, such as the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University, and Kibabii University. These LCs are the backbone of IAESTE’s grassroots engagement. They are primarily student-driven and are responsible for local recruitment, training, hosting of international interns, and promotion of IAESTE programs on campus. Each LC is headed by a Local Committee President, supported by officers in charge of exchange, public relations, finance, and events. Through this decentralized structure, IAESTE Kenya ensures that students develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills while contributing directly to the association’s mission.

Financially, IAESTE Kenya sustains its operations through a combination of membership fees, institutional contributions, sponsorships, and grants from partner organizations. The funds are used to support exchange logistics, administrative operations, and student development programs. Transparency and accountability are emphasized through annual reporting and periodic audits aligned with IAESTE International’s governance requirements.

Furthermore, IAESTE Kenya maintains strong collaborations with industry and government partners, who provide internship placements, mentorship, and sponsorship opportunities. These partnerships are critical in bridging academia and industry, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience relevant to Kenya’s socio-economic priorities such as technology innovation, manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. The organization also works closely with the IAESTE Alumni Network, which serves as a mentoring and advocacy platform, fostering lifelong connections between former trainees, host organizations, and academic institutions.

In summary, the organization of IAESTE Kenya reflects a well-structured and collaborative model that integrates national governance, institutional participation, and student leadership. Through the combined efforts of its National Committee, Secretariat, Local Committees, and partners, IAESTE Kenya continues to empower young professionals, strengthen global cooperation, and contribute to Kenya’s human capital development and international engagement.