JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT
PLACE OF ATTACHMENT: MERU NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC
DURATION OF ATTACHMENT:
KIREMA CAROLYNE KANGAI
SCT-221-D1-0021/2017
AN INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT PREPARED AND SUBMITTED TO
THE SCHOOL OF COMPUTING,IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE IN BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY OF JKUAT
UNIVERSITY .
SUBMITTED TO:
DATE: APRIL, 2019
DECLARATION
I do hereby declare without any reasonable doubt that the work presented in this attachment
report is my own original and independent work and it has not been presented before to the
Faculty of science for the award Degree in any University. No part of this report shall therefore
be duplicated without my prior consent and that of the Institution.
KIREMA CAROLYNE KANGAI
SIGN……………………………..
DATE…………………………….
SCT-221-D1-0021/2017
SUPERVISOR
This attachment report has been submitted to JKUAT University through approval of my
supervisor.
SIGN………………………….
DATE……………………………
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ACKNOWLEGEMENT
This attachment would not have been successful without the cooperation and support of a
number of people who enabled me to gain much more than what the industrial aspects of the
attachment could have given.
First, I would like to appreciate the Almighty God for the charitable time, strength and aptitude
that enabled me to complete my attachment period.
I wish to acknowledge the entire MERU NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC ICT DEPARTMENT
fraternity for guiding and supporting me to gain experience in several fields and making the
working environment conducive and friendly.
Finally, I would like to thank my loving family for their support throughout the entire period of
my attachment.
GOD BLESS YOU.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is compiled in partial fulfilment of Bachelor science in Information Technology
Degree at JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
and it serves to provide an overview of what the student learned during the attachment period at
MERU NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC for the ..........week training. The sources used in writing
this report includes; observations of underwriting materials that has been carried out by the
company and reading from internet. The report gives a brief description of the history of the
company and the functions performed. The company’s complete range of products is mentioned.
Organization’s hierarchy chart and brief introduction of ICT department where the student was
attached is outlined. The duties that were assigned to the student and the knowledge and skills
that were acquired are explained in detail.
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Table of Contents
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION .............................................................................................................. 1
HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................... 1
VISION STATEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 2
MISSION STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 2
MOTTO .................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.7 CORE VALUES ................................................................................................................................. 2
OBJECTIVE OF THE ATTACHMENT .................................................................................................. 3
BENEFITS TO ME............................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION TWO............................................................................................................................................ 4
ATTACHMENT EXPERIENCE .................................................................................................................. 4
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES ................................................................................................................... 4
Formatting and installing software....................................................................................................... 4
Hardware .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Help Desk .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Software Development .......................................................................................................................... 5
Networking ................................................................................................................................................ 5
APPLIED SKILLS................................................................................................................................ 5
Skills Attained........................................................................................................................................... 5
OBSERVATION AND CRITIQUES. ...................................................................................................... 6
OBSERVATION .................................................................................................................................. 6
CRITIQUES .......................................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION THREE ........................................................................................................................................ 7
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. ...................................................................................... 7
CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 7
RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 7
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SECTION ONE
INTRODUCTION- TO THE INSTITUTION ATTACHED
The Meru National Polytechnic (MNP) is located in Meru County along Meru-Nanyuki
highway, about 10 km from Meru Town and less than 5 km from Makutano Centre
The Meru National Polytechnic. Is know to be an International Center of Excellence in
Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) by providing TVET for producing
dependable and skilled Human Resource for Commerce and Industry .the main aim is offering
manpower that is equipped with all necessary types of skill, competency and techniques required
by the industry. This way the Polytechnic contributes immensely in the process of realization of
vision 2030 as a social pillar that the nation requires in its development agenda.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The Meru National Polytechnic (MNP) is located in Meru County along Meru-Nanyuki
highway, about 10 km from Meru Town and less than 5 km from Makutano Centre.
HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION
The Meru National Polytechnic (MNP) is located in Meru County along Meru-Nanyuki
highway, about 10 km from Meru Town and less than 5 km from Makutano Centre.
The Meru National Polytechnic was upgraded from Meru Technical Training Institute in 2016
and has been in operation since 1956 when it was started by the Meru County Council to train
the youth in various practical skills. It was then known as Gitoro Technical. In 1964, the school
was handed over to the regional education office and it became Meru Technical School, offering
two-year duration courses.
In 1969 the school was upgraded to a technical vocational Training school and the course
duration extended to three years. In the same year, the first form one students were admitted to
be prepared for KJSE(Kenya Junior Secondary School Examination) Technical at the end of two
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years. Those who passed and wished to continue to form three and four were transferred to
MIOME (Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education) the present day Mombasa Polytechnic. Those
who remained were for further one year before joining the labor market.
In 1973, the school was once more upgraded to a Technical secondary school and the terminal
examination became East African Certificate of Education. In 1985 the secondary cycle started
being phased out so that it became a Technical Training Institute in May 1986. It admitted the
first artisan students and ACNC (Accounts clerk National Certificate), students
The first craft students were admitted in 1997 and the first CPA students were admitted in 1988.
In 1997, the first diploma students were admitted. At present, the Polytechnic offers 3 Higher
Diploma Courses, more than 25 Diploma courses, 31 Craft courses, 6 Artisan courses. Currently,
the Polytechnic has 225 Teaching Staff Member and 125 Non-Teaching Staff Members, and a
student Population of about 8,000 students
VISION STATEMENT
To be an international centre of excellence in Technical and vocational Education and Training.
(TVET)
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) for producing dependable
and skilled Human Resource for commerce and industry.
MOTTO
Technology for innovation and development
1.7 CORE VALUES

Hard work

Team work

Transparency

Integrity
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
Accountability

diligence
OBJECTIVE OF THE ATTACHMENT
1. To provide an opportunity for students to discover, learn about, and familiarize with
industry of their discipline, and with organizations within the industry. Students will
acquire interpersonal skills through meeting with professionals in their field of study.
2. To provide an opportunity for students to observe real-life practices and implementation
of theoretical lessons and principles. Students will acquire practical skills and experience
working on projects and alongside industry experts.
3. To provide the opportunity for the industry to identify potential employees from among
the industrial trainees and to feedback comments on the programme. Students will benefit
from coursework tailored to meet training expectations of the industry.
4. To ensure coursework and training programmes satisfy the expectations of the industry,
and ensure the programmes are relevant and up to date.
BENEFITS TO ME

Organizational skills and professional awareness.

Ability to work under supervision and directions.

Efficiently completing tasks, fostering good relationship with seniors and subordinates.

Communication skills and contribution to company.
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SECTION TWO
ATTACHMENT EXPERIENCE
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Formatting and installing software

Installation of antivirus software (Kaspersky Anti-virus 6.0) and updating it.

Installation of Operating system (Windows 7).

Installation of Microsoft Office application program.

Installation of Micro Dynamics NAV

Installation of outlook and its configurations.

Installing Browsers (Firefox) and configuring it.
Hardware

Upgrading computers for example replacing CMOS battery and adding RAM

Setting up a computer in a new location

Replacing faulty peripherals for instance keyboard mouse, monitors etc

Blowing of PC’s and Printers and cleaning them

Crimping Ethernet cables

Configuring Ethernet cables connections

Replacing cartridges on printers
Help Desk

Providing support to users who have problems in network connections

Helping users with problems in receiving emails

Helping users with printer connection problems

Helping users to troubleshoot slow PC’s
Computer operations

Daily data backup and weekly data backup

Helping users to access the TALLY printer and use them to print their reports
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Software Development

Helping users with problems in posting data to NAVISION application

Accessing the database, adding users, deleting and updating their data

Monitoring how users post information to the application
Networking

Identifying problems in the network for example loose cables

Troubleshooting the problems of network cables

Resolving user login conflicts

Configuring proxy settings

Monitoring the proxy server to ensure every user has access to the network
APPLIED SKILLS

Communication skills

Management skills

Leadership skills

Conflict resolution

Work-based skills
Skills Attained

Knowledge on printers; dot matrix and laser printers and their functionalities

Advanced knowledge on Servers, IP phones Switches and routers; their configuration and
use

Good rapport and confidence in communication with the staff

How to be responsible

Importance of teamwork and cooperation
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OBSERVATION AND CRITIQUES.
OBSERVATION
The ICT department comprises of highly skilled employees who are determined to do their work
diligently to improve the performance of the entire organization.
The organization has enough capital and funds to enable IT upgrade for example servers, PC’s,
applications etc. to enable efficiency and effectiveness.
The ICT department is well equipped with the necessary equipment needed to repair machines
and clean them too thus enabling the entire team to work effectively and efficiently.
CRITIQUES
The organization is fully equipped with many computers especially the desktops whereby other
staff members in the organization have little skills in computers thus more support is escalated to
the ICT department enhancing a lot of work in the organization.
The ICT department has qualified staff but it is often understaffed since there are many times
when there is a lot of work and they can’t do it all at once hence they get fatigued and sometimes
don’t attend to their duties promptly.
The organization is fully equipped with many computers and other equipment with an exception
of printers to serve all the employees in the organization. Some employees share these machines
thus leading to delays in meeting deadlines.
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SECTION THREE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
CONCLUSION
The job scope and duties assigned focused primarily on hardware, software and networking. The
work was highly relevant to the field of study in Computer Science as it includes all computer
aspects. During the period of attachment, valuable knowledge was gained through active
participation and inquisitive learning. Knowledge on how to handle hardware devices for
example repair, cleaning and maintenance was acquired. Use of business application software in
particular Navision was explored. Knowledge on servers, LAN connection and IP phones was
also gained. Skills learned included build of good rapport with the staff and confidence in
communication with senior managers. This industrial attachment proved to have highly
supplemented the student’s insight in the computer science world. It was a beneficial and
educating experience.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Institution should consider providing the students on industrial attachment with temporary
user names to enable them practice on the ERP application (ABNO)
REFERENCES
Susanto, H. (2016). Revealing the Role of ICT for Business Core Redesign.Available at SSRN.
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The head of Meru national polytechnic
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