Kenya Unveils CNC Training Initiative to Tackle Industrial Skills Shortage
Panellists during the forum (from left to right) Francis Veto TVET Project Manager, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Emmanuel Choge, TVET & Digitalization Advisor, GIZ Kenya, Dr. Kevit Desai, TVET Advocate and CEO Centurion Systems, Björn Schneekloth Managing Director, Ensinger Group and Amb. Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
A new skills development partnership aimed at bridging Kenya’s industrial skills gap has been launched, with a focus on providing specialised Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining training to students and trainers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The initiative, unveiled at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, is a collaboration between the Wilfried and Martha Ensinger Foundation (Germany) and the Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training Programme, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Kenya.
Wilfried and Martha Ensinger FoundationEnsinger Group is the world’s leading supplier of engineering and high-performance plastics (rods, plates, tubes) as well as finished parts and components. With 2,700 employees at 34 locations, the family-owned enterprise is committed to promoting education and vocational training worldwide.
The programme is jointly funded by the governments of Finland and Germany.The project aims to equip 20 selected TVET institutions with the capacity to offer high-quality, industry-aligned CNC training.
Through specialised Training of Trainers (ToT) courses, at least 500 students are expected to benefit, enhancing their employability in Kenya’s rapidly evolving manufacturing sector.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Principal of PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, in remarks delivered by Registrar June Gatacha, hailed the initiative as a game-changer for technical education in the country.
“This project is a bold step not only for our institution but for the broader vision of transforming TVET in Kenya,” she said.
“Enhancing CNC machining training means equipping our youth with the precision, efficiency, and digital skills demanded by today’s advanced manufacturing sectors. We are bridging the gap between training and industry.”she added.
Making his remarks,Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasized the value of strong partnerships in improving youth employability.
“TVET is one of the key pillars of the cooperation between Germany and Kenya,” said Fierley.
“By working together, we are helping to equip young people with the hands-on skills they need to succeed in the job market.”
Concurrently,Björn Schneekloth, Managing Director of the Ensinger Group a leading global supplier of engineering plastics reaffirmed the foundation’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,” Schneekloth said.
“This partnership will create lasting opportunities for both trainers and students.”
The inaugural CNC machining course, currently underway at PC Kinyanjui, has brought together nine trainers from five national TVET institutions.
The two-week certification programme, set to conclude on Friday, marks the official launch of the initiative.
With this partnership, Kenya is taking a significant step toward strengthening industry-academia collaboration, aligning technical training with labor market needs, and building a competent workforce for the country’s growing manufacturing sector.
By Sharon Atieno
