As of 2022, Kenya had 68 universities, with approximately 563,000 students enrolled in the 2022/2023 academic year. Despite the high enrollment, engineering companies in Kenya face a significant challenge: the skills gap. Many new graduates lack the practical skills required for the engineering industry, and companies are working hard to address this problem. By investing in training, collaborating with schools, and providing hands-on learning opportunities, companies aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and job requirements. Here, we explore how engineering firms in Kenya are tackling this skills gap to create a stronger workforce.
Collaborating with technical and vocational institutions
Technical and vocational institutions play a crucial role in training skilled workers. As of 2022, Kenya had 2,401 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, which has increased significantly from 753 in 2013. These institutions play a key role in providing the practical skills needed by the engineering industry. Engineering firms in Kenya are increasingly partnering with these schools to improve the quality of education. For example, many schools don’t have the latest tools or technologies, but through partnerships, students get to work with modern equipment that companies use in real projects. These collaborations include joint projects and workshops sponsored by companies, where students gain practical skills that are directly useful for the job. These initiatives make students more prepared to join the workforce right after graduation. Many engineering firms even recruit directly from these programmes.
Promoting industry-specific certifications
Another way that companies address the skills gap is by encouraging industry-specific certifications. These certifications help ensure that employees meet certain standards and have specialised skills that are in high demand. Programmes often cover areas like project management, safety compliance, or particular software skills. Certifications not only improve the confidence of employees but also make them more marketable and job-ready. Employees who gain these certifications can handle projects more effectively, which improves overall productivity. In Kenya, popular certifications include:
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Widely recognised across industries, PMP certification helps engineers manage projects more effectively.
- AutoCAD Certification: CAD skills are highly valued in engineering, especially for design and drafting tasks.
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM): This certification is gaining popularity as sustainability and energy efficiency become more important in the engineering sector.
Mentorship and knowledge sharing
Mentorship is another key strategy used by engineering companies in Kenya to bridge the skills gap. In mentorship programmes, experienced engineers guide younger employees and new recruits. This transfer of knowledge is incredibly important because it helps new workers learn faster, avoid mistakes, and become more confident in their roles.
Many companies have formal mentorship programmes that pair senior engineers with new recruits for a set period, typically ranging from six months to a year. Through this relationship, young engineers can ask questions, learn practical problem-solving skills, and gain an understanding of the industry culture. These programmes promote a collaborative work environment that supports continuous learning and improvement. The positive impact of such an environment is evident in a 2019 survey by CNBC and SurveyMonkey, which found that 91% of workers with mentors reported higher job satisfaction.
Emphasising soft skills development
While technical skills are vital, soft skills are equally important for a well-rounded workforce. Engineering firms are increasingly focusing on enhancing employees’ abilities in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. To achieve this, workshops and training sessions are organised to help employees develop interpersonal skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, and effective collaboration. These initiatives not only improve individual performance but also contribute to a more cohesive and productive work environment.
Looking for reliable engineering companies in Nairobi?
Explore our engineering solutions. We are one of the leading engineering companies in Kenya, offering services related to mechanical, civil, electrical and instrumentation engineering. We are dedicated to delivering client-centric engineering services tailored to each project’s unique needs. With a holistic approach, we ensure comprehensive, sustainable solutions that align with global standards and adhere to local regulations.
We believe in continuous learning and conduct many training sessions. For instance, we recently held an Elevated Impact Training programme, which concluded with a certification ceremony led by the Training Academy. Participants reflected on the valuable insights they gained, including the importance of teamwork, positive thinking, self-perception, organisational culture, growth mindset, effective communication, and leadership. To know more about us, visit here.