Kenya boosts industrial training with CNC machining programme

Kenya is working to bridge industrial skills gaps by equipping trainers and students with high-demand machining expertise.

The programme will provide cutting-edge Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining training to both students and trainers in public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.

This latest initiative will see the Ministry of Education modernise curricula, strengthen industry linkages, and enhance the quality of training in line with Kenya Vision 2030.

The CNC training programme—spearheaded by the Wilfried and Martha Ensinger Foundation in partnership with GIZ Kenya and financed by the governments of Germany and Finland—is expected to build local capacity by training 20 TVET trainers, who will in turn train over 500 students in CNC machining during the next phase of the initiative.

Speaking during the launch at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Nairobi, Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasised the programme’s importance in boosting employability.

“TVET is one of the key pillars of the cooperation between Germany and Kenya. One way we support this is by encouraging closer collaboration between training institutions and the private sector,” said Fierley.

“Today’s launch is a great example of how effective partnerships can make a real difference. By working together, we are helping to equip young people with the hands-on skills they need to succeed in the job market.”

Currently, nine trainers from five national TVET institutions are undergoing a two-week CNC certification course at PC Kinyanjui.

The training is expected to be rolled out to more institutions in the coming months, with plans for future expansion already under discussion.

Last week, TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria said that in addition to direct employment benefits for young people, the initiative will encourage greater collaboration between Kenya’s public training institutions and the private sector.

“Integrating small learning solutions, cloud computing and AI-driven platforms in education is no longer optional—it is essential,” said Dr Muoria.

“These cutting-edge solutions transform TVET training by bridging the skills gap, enhancing industry readiness, and making learning more accessible through immersive virtual environments.”

She added that the mismatch between the skills taught in technical institutions and those demanded by industry remains a persistent obstacle.

“Kenya’s TVET system has undergone substantial change in recent years, with the Ministry of Education championing reforms aimed at transitioning from theory-heavy instruction to a more competency-based curriculum,” she noted.

However, gaps remain in access to modern equipment, skilled trainers, and links to industrial internships and apprenticeships.

CNC machining—a critical component of modern manufacturing—has been identified as a skill area with high demand but limited local training capacity. This new partnership is designed to address that gap.

Björn Schneekloth, Managing Director of the Ensinger Group, said the investment is part of the company’s commitment to sustainable, impact-driven education.

“Ensinger is passionate about supporting education programmes that have a real impact,” he noted.

“By investing in CNC training, we are not only helping young people gain valuable skills but also contributing to Kenya’s industrial transformation.”

PC Kinyanjui Chief Principal Lucy Anampiu said the programme will create lasting opportunities for both trainers and students.

“Enhancing CNC machining training means equipping our youth with the precision, efficiency, and digital skills demanded by today’s advanced manufacturing sectors,” said Anampiu in a statement read on her behalf by Registrar June Gatacha.

“With this initiative, we are bridging the gap between training and industry, strengthening the employability of our graduates, and positioning our TVET system as a key driver of industrial growth.”