A new training initiative aimed at addressing Kenya’s industrial skills gap through specialized Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining training has officially been launched. The programme targets both students and trainers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, promising to improve employability and align skills with market demands in the manufacturing sector.
The partnership brings together the Wilfried and Martha Ensinger Foundation from Germany and the Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training Programme, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Kenya, with financial support from the governments of Germany and Finland.
Through the initiative, 20 TVET institutions have been selected to benefit from specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes. These courses aim to empower trainers with advanced CNC machining skills, which they will in turn impart to at least 500 students across Kenya. The training is expected to strengthen the delivery of high-quality, industry-relevant education within TVET institutions and better prepare graduates for employment in the fast-evolving manufacturing sector.
Speaking during the launch at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasized the importance of the partnership in bridging the skills gap and boosting youth employment.
“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. Today’s launch is a great example of how effective partnerships can make a real difference,” he said.
Björn Schneekloth, Managing Director at Ensinger Group, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable vocational training. “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,” he stated.
The Chief Principal of PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, through remarks delivered by the institution’s registrar June Gatacha, welcomed the project as a transformative step in enhancing TVET education. “Enhancing CNC machining training means equipping our youth with the precision, efficiency, and digital skills demanded by today’s advanced manufacturing sectors,” she said.
The launch coincided with the start of the first CNC machining training course at PC Kinyanjui, which has brought together nine trainers from five national TVET institutions for a two-week certification programme set to conclude on Friday.
This strategic partnership is expected to foster stronger collaboration between academia and industry, ensure training programmes meet market demands, and provide a replicable model for future expansion. Ultimately, it will boost Kenya’s industrial productivity, open up employment opportunities for young people, and contribute to the development of a more competent and competitive workforce.