THE INDUSTRIAL Promotion Services (IPS) graduate management development programme, which was started in Kenya in 2001, will soon be extended to Tanzania and Uganda.
The objective is to recruit and train top-flight young graduates to develop into outstanding executives to manage IPS companies in East Africa. IPS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). Through equity investment, AKFED promotes private-sector initiatives that provide employment and improve living conditions in Africa and Asia.
George Hapisu, the IPS group human resource manager, said, "Trainees are sought from both local and overseas universities. A rigorous selection process is used to select individuals with management potential. During their training, they are exposed to various functions in several of the group companies before the successful ones are appointed to managerial posts."
Shavika Aggarwal, a management trainee who joined IPS in July 2002, says the programme has broadened her outlook.
After working with Wire Products Limited for eight months and spending ten months at Allpack Industries (manufacturers of corrugated cartons and polypropylene bags), Michael Njuguna has attained management status. He graduated from JKUAT in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
During his stint at Wire Products Limited, Michael Njuguna worked in the production department and was subsequently given an assignment to improve records and stock control.
After gaining a full understanding of the operations at Allpack, Michael Njuguna has been working on the development of packaging. His on the job training has been supplemented with courses and seminars on subjects ranging from management skills to the latest packaging techniques.
Working with major customers like Unilever, Cussons and fruit and vegetable and flower exporters, Michael Njuguna has contributed to developing packaging to suit their individual needs. This has led to his appointment as Allpack's Packaging Development Manager.