A local innovation hub in Kenya is making significant strides in equipping youth with the expertise needed for the global job market. The Toolkit Skills and Innovation Hub, founded by Jane Muigai, is at the forefront of this transformative effort. Located in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, the hub is leveraging cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology to impart vital skills, particularly in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding—a trade that is highly sought after in the construction and engineering sectors worldwide.
A Vision for Youth Empowerment
Jane Muigai’s journey toward establishing Toolkit was inspired by her experiences working as an international civil servant with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Through her work in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across Africa, including Sudan and Liberia, Jane witnessed the dire need for opportunities among the youth. The overwhelming question she grappled with was: where does opportunity meet the youth in Africa? The answer she found lay in equipping them with practical, world-class skills that align with global technological advancements.
“For us at Toolkit, we focus on skills. This idea came about when I was working as an international civil servant with UNHCR. The inspiration for Toolkit came from going to refugee camps, IDP camps in Sudan, in Liberia, and for me, the biggest shock was always, what is the opportunity for a youth in Africa? My inspiration was, where does opportunity meet this youth? And the opportunity lies in skills if we can use the latest technologies,” Jane explains.
Innovative Training with Virtual Reality
At the Toolkit hub, the integration of virtual reality into the training process is not just a technological gimmick—it is a game-changer. VR provides an immersive, hands-on experience that allows trainees to master the intricacies of MIG welding in a controlled, risk-free environment. This technology enables the youth to simulate real-life scenarios, practice precision, and build confidence before transitioning to actual workshops. This method is particularly beneficial for complex tasks like welding, where even minor mistakes can lead to significant consequences in the real world.
The three-month training program is intensive and meticulously designed to ensure that participants not only acquire technical skills but also understand the underlying principles of MIG welding. After the virtual training, the trainees move to the physical workshop, where they further hone their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals. This dual approach of combining VR with hands-on practice ensures that the trainees are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in the industry.
From Training to Employment
Toolkit’s commitment to its trainees does not end with the completion of the course. The hub has established partnerships with various organizations that offer industrial attachments to the graduates. This practical experience is crucial for transitioning from training to employment. Furthermore, Toolkit continues to monitor and track the progress of its alumni, ensuring that they remain on the path of skill development and career growth.
A testament to the success of this approach is the story of 14 young men and women who, after training at Toolkit, secured jobs as MIG welders in Laval, France. This is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the potential of Kenyan youth when given the right tools and opportunities.
Broadening Horizons Beyond Welding
While MIG welding is a primary focus, Toolkit is also expanding its training offerings to include other critical areas such as energy and solar technology, as well as modern organic farming. These additional courses reflect the hub’s holistic approach to skill development, recognizing the diverse needs of the global job market.
“We are training an electrician combined with a solar technician. We have a demo farm. Labour mobility with just semi-skilled or unskilled workers, we are just getting into slavery. For us to industrialize this continent, we must embrace the latest skills and technologies. World-class technology will lead to world-class jobs, dignified jobs, and respect for our people,” Jane concludes.
A Future Full of Possibilities
For trainees like Michelle Wambui, who holds a diploma in automotive engineering, the training at Toolkit represents a gateway to global opportunities. “The automotive sector really needs MIG welders, especially panel beating. I would like to take this MIG welding career to the automotive sector so that I can go to other countries like Germany and make those German vehicles,” she says.
Through its innovative use of virtual reality and commitment to skill development, the Toolkit Skills and Innovation Hub is not just training welders—it is shaping the future of Kenyan youth, one skill at a time. As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow globally, initiatives like Toolkit are crucial in ensuring that African youth are not left behind but are instead empowered to compete on the world stage.
