College’s flexible approach to training the next generation of professionals
Sponsored by RCM College
CPA Dr Joshua Aura, Founder and CEO of RCM College.
By Pauline Ongaji
As industries evolve and employers continue to demand practical skills alongside academic qualifications, institutions that effectively bridge the gap between learning and employment are central to Kenya’s economic future.
For 17 years now, RCM College has offered flexible, accessible and industry-focused education pathways to help produce graduates who are well aligned with industry needs.
Founded on the belief that quality education should not be limited by geography, work commitments or personal circumstances, the college has built its identity around expanding access to professional learning while ensuring students gain skills that are relevant to the modern economy.
“Other than just awarding certificates, for us, education is also about changing lives and creating opportunities,” says Founder and CEO of RCM College, CPA Dr Joshua Aura. “We founded RCM College because we saw many talented Kenyans who wanted to advance their careers but faced barriers such as distance, financial limitations and work responsibilities. We wanted to create a model that makes quality education flexible and accessible.”
That vision has shaped the institution’s journey from a traditional training provider to a modern learning centre serving thousands of students across Kenya and the wider East African region.
From the beginning, technology played a major role in expanding access. RCM College introduced distance learning through online platforms and distributed learning materials to students across the country, enabling learners to pursue professional qualifications regardless of their location.
As digital transformation progressed, the college evolved with the changing education landscape. In 2021, RCM College strengthened its online learning ecosystem by introducing live virtual classes and investing in professional studios to enhance the quality of digital instruction.
“Institutions that continue innovating remain relevant,” says Dr Aura. “Technology has changed the way people learn, and our responsibility is to ensure that students can access quality education through different platforms, be it physical classes, live online sessions or recorded lessons.”
Today, RCM College serves approximately 6,000 students from Kenya and other East African countries, demonstrating the growing demand for flexible professional education.
However, access alone is not enough in a competitive employment market. Employers continuously require graduates who can apply knowledge practically, communicate effectively and adapt to changing workplace demands. RCM College maintains a strong alignment with curricula developed by registered professional bodies, and complements technical training with soft workplace skills, including communication, leadership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and digital competence.
“We want our graduates to leave RCM not only with professional qualifications, but also with the confidence, practical skills and adaptability needed to succeed,” explains Dr Aura.
The college offers a wide range of programmes. They cut across business and management, accounting and finance, ICT, supply chain management, human resource management, hospitality and tourism, community development, education, and other professional certification pathways.
Beyond academic knowledge, RCM College focuses on developing professionals who can create value in different environments, from corporate workplaces to entrepreneurial ventures.
Dr Aura says the future of employment will belong to individuals who combine technical competencies with creativity and innovation. “That is why we encourage learners to think like problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and leaders who can contribute to economic development,” he says.
Career development is also embedded in the student experience, where through mentorship, guidance and professional counselling, learners receive support as they transition from classrooms to workplaces.
The institution also works to expose students to practical environments where they can understand how their knowledge applies in real situations.
“We believe that graduation is not the end of the journey, and that is why we want our students to continue learning, growing and becoming leaders in their professions,” says Dr Aura.
Looking ahead, RCM College aims to deepen its role as a leading institution for career-focused education in Africa by investing further in technology, artificial intelligence, research and industry collaboration.
“Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world. If we equip young people with the right skills, mind-set, and opportunities, they will drive the continent’s transformation,” says Dr Aura.
