The mechanical engineering sector of Kenya is crucial to the nation’s development. It is a key pillar supporting vital industries such as manufacturing, which contributed approximately 7.2% to Kenya’s GDP in 2021 and aims for a 20% contribution by 2030. It also plays a key role in the infrastructure sector to meet national needs. The energy sector, with Kenya generating nearly 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, also heavily relies on mechanical engineering expertise.
However, a growing skills gap is affecting the industry’s potential. Illustrating this challenge, reports from 2017 indicated Kenya had only 2,100 registered engineers against a requirement of at least 6,000, and many mechanical engineers in Kenya today are struggling to keep up with technological advancements. This deficit leaves the industry less competitive and stifles its growth. Here, we explore the key skills gaps in this crucial sector and outline strategies to overcome them.
Outdated technical knowledge
A considerable number of mechanical engineers in Kenya continue to rely on traditional methods. They often lack exposure to modern technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This technological lag restricts productivity and innovation, particularly in the manufacturing sector, where advanced systems are essential for efficiency.
Lack of practical experience
Many engineering graduates possess strong theoretical knowledge but lack hands-on experience with contemporary tools and machinery. This disconnect between academic training and industry requirements is evident in sectors like construction and manufacturing, where familiarity with modern equipment is crucial.
Insufficient soft skills
Beyond technical expertise, mechanical engineers require soft skills such as effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. In Kenya, a deficiency in these skills limits engineers’ capacity to collaborate effectively in teams or assume leadership roles, thereby hindering project success and career advancement.
The skills gap in Kenya’s mechanical engineering sector creates challenges in efficiency, innovation, and career progression. Engineers often delay projects or increase costs by using outdated methods. For instance, a team may struggle to meet deadlines when they cannot operate modern design software or optimize automated systems. This not only slows project timelines but also drives up operational costs. In terms of innovation, engineers who do not embrace new technologies miss opportunities to integrate new-age tools. For example, a manufacturing plant that fails to adopt automated quality control systems may fall short in both output and quality. Career growth also suffers when engineers neglect to update their skills. Those who do not develop their technical expertise or improve their communication and leadership abilities may find themselves overlooked for promotions or struggling to maintain job security in a competitive industry. These challenges highlight the urgent need for continuous learning and practical training.
Strategies to Bridge the Skills Gap
To strengthen the sector’s capabilities and ensure its long-term growth, several key strategies can be implemented.
Encouraging continuous learning
Engineers need to stay updated with the latest technological developments in fields such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. Training workshops, webinars, and certification courses can provide engineers with the knowledge and skills required to handle modern tools and systems. Companies should support their staff by offering access to professional development opportunities and by covering the costs of relevant courses.
Strengthening collaboration between industry and education
Universities and technical colleges can work closely with companies to design training programmes that reflect the latest industry practices. For example, educational institutions can add modules on computer-aided design (CAD), simulation software, and automated manufacturing to prepare students for modern engineering roles. Collaborative efforts could include guest lectures by industry professionals, industrial site visits, and projects that address local engineering challenges. Such partnerships can help students gain the practical knowledge they need to be job-ready upon graduation.
Expanding mentorship and internships
Mentorship and internship programmes are essential for providing young engineers with valuable practical experience. Senior engineers at mechanical engineering firms in Kenya can guide junior colleagues in areas such as machinery operation, project management, and the use of advanced tools. These mentorship relationships can also help young engineers build soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Internships offer students the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings and understand industry workflows. By working on actual projects, interns can develop confidence and gain insight into the challenges and expectations of the profession. Companies can collaborate with universities and colleges to offer structured internship programmes that allow students to rotate through different departments and gain broad exposure to various aspects of engineering operations.
The Kenyan government is proactively promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at primary and secondary levels to ensure a steady influx of talent into the mechanical engineering sector. By launching initiatives such as scholarships, STEM-focused schools, and outreach programs, the government is encouraging young students, especially girls, to pursue STEM courses. These efforts are addressing future skills shortages and gender imbalances in the industry. The government is also fostering partnerships between educational institutions and industries, ensuring that students gain early exposure to engineering practices and develop practical skills with modern tools. This proactive approach is strengthening Kenya’s mechanical engineering sector by enhancing its capacity for innovation, efficiency, and sustained growth.
At Burhani Engineers, we strongly believe that proper skill development and continuous training are essential to bridging the skill gap among young engineers in Kenya. As one of the leading engineering firms in Kenya, we understand that a collaborative effort between educational institutions and the industry is crucial for promoting Kenya’s industrial growth and strengthening its market competitiveness. We work closely with educational institutions to provide students with hands-on experience in engineering, ensuring that they gain the practical skills needed for success in the industry. For instance, For instance, we joined Swisscontact’s PropelA apprenticeship program to address the skills gap and rising youth unemployment in Kenya’s plumbing and electrical industries. This partnership introduced a dual apprenticeship system that merges theoretical lessons with hands-on practical training. In addition, we collaborated with Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Nairobi to provide students with the technical knowledge and skills necessary for careers in plumbing and electrical engineering. Our approach was on practical skill development, professional growth, and the strengthening of ties between educational institutions and the industry. These efforts help young professionals meet labor market demands and contribute to the long-term sustainability and progress of Kenya’s engineering sector.