Kenya’s manufacturing sector has received a significant boost following the launch of a new training initiative aimed at equipping young people with cutting-edge Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining skills. The program seeks to address the country’s industrial skills gap and enhance the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The partnership brings together the Wilfried and Martha Ensinger Foundation from Germany and the Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training Programme, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Kenya. The initiative is financed by the governments of Finland and Germany.
The program aims to train TVET trainers through specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) courses, enabling them to pass on CNC machining expertise to at least 500 students from 20 selected institutions. This effort is designed to align training with industry needs and significantly improve employment prospects for Kenyan youth.
Speaking at the launch event, held at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasized the importance of industry-aligned training in boosting youth employability. “This launch is a great example of how partnerships can equip young people with hands-on skills vital for today’s job market,” he noted.
Björn Schneekloth, Managing Director at Ensinger Group, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to sustainable vocational training, saying, “By investing in CNC training, we are contributing to Kenya’s industrial transformation and creating long-term opportunities for students and trainers alike.”
The initiative was praised by PC Kinyanjui’s Chief Principal, whose remarks, delivered by registrar June Gatacha, highlighted the importance of integrating precision and digital skills in technical education. “This project is a bold step towards transforming TVET in Kenya and bridging the gap between training and industry,” she stated.
The inaugural two-week CNC machining course, involving nine trainers from five national TVET institutions, marks the beginning of a larger vision to scale up technical training in Kenya.
This strategic partnership is expected to foster stronger industry-academia collaboration, develop a skilled workforce, and support the country’s journey toward industrialization and economic empowerment.
