A new training partnership set to address Kenya’s industrial
skills gap by providing specialised Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining
skills to students and TVET trainers has been unveiled.
This training will guarantee alignment with market needs and
increase employment opportunities for young people.
The initiative is a partnership between the Wilfried and
Martha Ensinger Foundation (Germany) and the Promotion of Youth Employment and
Vocational Training Programme, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Kenya through financing from the
governments of Finland and Germany. It seeks to strengthen TVET institutions by
enhancing their capacity to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant training.
Through specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) courses,
trainers from 20 selected TVET institutions will be equipped to transfer CNC
machining skills to at least 500 students, preparing them for careers in
Kenya’s fast-evolving manufacturing sector.
Speaking during the launch, Alexander Fierley, Deputy
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, underscored the program’s
significance in improving the employability of Kenyan youth and addressing
skills shortages.
“TVET is one of the key pillars of the cooperation between
Germany and Kenya. One way we do this is by encouraging closer collaboration
between training institutions and the private sector,” he stated.
“Today’s launch is a great example of how effective
partnerships can make a real difference. By working together, we are helping to
equip young people with the hands-on skills they need to succeed in the job
market,” he stated.
On his part, Björn Schneekloth, Managing Director at
Ensinger Group, reiterated their commitment to sustainable vocational training,
adding:
"Ensinger is passionate about supporting education
programs that have a real impact. By investing in CNC training, we are not only
helping young people gain valuable skills but also contributing to Kenya’s
industrial transformation. This partnership will create lasting opportunities
for both trainers and students, preparing them for the future of
manufacturing.”
The Chief Principal of PC Kinyanjui Technical Training
Institute lauded the new initiative as a milestone achievement for the
institution and the broader TVET sector in Kenya.
In remarks delivered on her behalf by the Institution’s
registrar, June Gatacha, she emphasized that the project represents a bold step
towards transforming technical and vocational education
.“This project is a bold step not only for our institution
but for the broader vision of transforming TVET in Kenya. Enhancing CNC
machining training means equipping our youth with the precision, efficiency,
and digital skills demanded by today’s advanced manufacturing sectors,” she
stated.
“With this initiative, we are bridging the gap between training and industry, strengthening the employability of our graduates, and positioning our TVET system as a key driver of industrial growth.”
The training partnership was launched during the first CNC
machining course being delivered at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute.
Nine trainers from five national TVET institutions are
taking part in this two-week training certification program, set to end on
Friday of this week.
The launch of this CNC training program will strengthen
industry-academia collaboration, ensure training meets market demands, and
create a scalable model for future expansion.
Ultimately, it will
create employment pathways, enhance industrial productivity, and develop a more
competent workforce for Kenya's expanding manufacturing sector.
