Kenya’s private sector is urging the government to improve the business environment amid rising energy costs, regulatory unpredictability and unstable market conditions, all of which continue to hamper industrial growth.

This call to action was amplified during the launch of a landmark training initiative designed to address the skills gap in the manufacturing sector through Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining.

The initiative, unveiled at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, is a joint effort by the Wilfried and Martha Ensinger Foundation (Germany), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Kenya and the governments of Finland and Germany, under the ‘Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training’ programme.

The project targets 20 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, where trainers will undergo specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) in CNC machining. At least 500 students are expected to benefit directly, gaining market-relevant skills and improving their employability in Kenya’s industrial sector.

Speaking at the launch, Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of Germany, emphasized the importance of aligning training with market needs. “By connecting TVET institutions with the private sector, we are helping youth gain practical skills to compete in the job market,” he said.

TVET advocate and industrialist Dr. Kevit Desai underlined CNC technology’s role in economic transformation. “Technology transfer is vital for Kenya’s growth. Through this, we empower trainers and students to manufacture components for vehicles, aircraft and agricultural machinery,” he said.

Francis Veto, TVET Project Manager at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, echoed these sentiments, highlighting CNC technology’s capacity to reduce import reliance. “Precision machining allows us to make high-quality parts locally, cutting costs, creating jobs and opening export opportunities,” he noted.

This strategic collaboration marks a significant step toward revitalizing Kenya’s manufacturing industry, bridging the skills gap and empowering youth with the tools needed to drive sustainable industrial growth.