PHOTO | FOTOSEARCH 

A few years ago, a local public university made headlines after announcing a partnership deal with dozens of companies to offer paid internships for its students.

The idea was modelled around a Canadian concept dubbed Co-op Education where universities have established linkages with industries where learners are put in a study-work programme that contributes to their overall college performance.

Over the years as oversized focus was placed on university education, many students would shun technical and vocational institutes.

On their part, students would apply at the university before being picked and linked to the companies based on their academic performance and discipline, with the one-third gender rule observed.

The World Bank has in recent years pointed out a huge disconnect between university education and labour market needs in developing economies, citing it as a driver of high unemployment levels in countries such as Kenya.