Our History
RCMRD was established in 1975 as a non-profit intergovernmental organisation under auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the then Organisation of African Unity (now African Union), the Regional Centre at Kasarani enjoyed a dominant presence.
Founded to provide services in surveying and mapping to its member states in Eastern and Southern Africa, this Centre’s original name mutated to the current “Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)”.
They now house the Centre’s constituent college, known as the Regional Centre Training Institute (RCTI), providing continuous professional development training modules for geospatial experts from the region, and diploma courses in applied geospatial technologies.
THE RCTI JOURNEY
1975
Established in 1975
RCMRD is established, with no dedicated section/department for training.
1975
2001
Launched the IT Training Centre (ITTC)
Launched the IT Training Centre (ITTC) in partnership with JKUAT.
Offered diploma and degree programs under the JKUAT curriculum.
2014
Centre terminates the partnership with JKUAT.
Management decides to close the Centre and terminate the partnership with JKUAT.
Mr. Julius Gichohi is appointed to lead the transition to a fully independent, RCMRD-owned training institute and seek approval by the Ministry of Education.
2014
2015
First intake of 34 students
First intake of 34 students (22 day class, 12 evening class), mainly in Diploma in Land Surveying.
Focus on practical, industry-aligned training.
2017 January
Second intake of 51 students
Receives approvals from KUCCPS, TVETA, KNEC, and HELB.
Short courses in ICDL, IT, and GIS begin to roll out.
2017 January
2017 May
First KUCCPS-sponsored students
First KUCCPS-sponsored students are admitted.
Official rebrand from ITTC to RCTI.
2018–2020
Establishment of 6 computer labs
Investment in training equipment: RTKs, Total Stations, Theodolites, Levels, and more.
Establishment of 6 computer labs to support practical learning.
2018–2020
2021
Completion of a dedicated staff complex;
Completion of a dedicated staff complex; the previous space fully handed over to RCTI.
Further strengthening of hands-on training.
2024–2025
Continued Growth
Current enrollment stands at 800+ students.
Second graduation scheduled for December 2025, with 600 students expected to graduate.
The institute now boasts 6 computer training labs, with over 60 qualified staff.
Partnership with HELB continues to attract more students.
The institute also boasts alumni from member states such as Botswana, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Gambia, Comoros, and many more.
2024–2025
2022–2023
Formation of the Capacity Building & Training Department
Formation of the Capacity Building & Training Department under RCMRD, to which RCTI belongs, with an Acting Director who has since been confirmed as the Director.
Construction and completion of a student hostel complex with a capacity for 800 students.
Staff numbers exceed 60.