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The construction sector in Kenya is experiencing rapid growth, but a critical shortage of skilled labor, particularly electricians and plumbers, hinders its full potential. Private companies point out that vocational school training often falls short of industry needs. This creates a double challenge: a million young Kenyans enter the job market each year, with limited options beyond university, and vocational training often doesn't equip them for the in-demand trades.
Swisscontact and the Hilti Foundation are proud partners in addressing this challenge through PropelA, an employer-led dual apprenticeship programme for the construction industry. Funded by the Hilti Foundation, PropelA develops a skilled workforce that aligns with industry needs, focusing on electrical and plumbing trades.
Recently, Swisscontact hosted a two-day visit for the Hilti Foundation board, led by Chair Matthias Gillner and CEO Werner Wellner. This visit aimed to showcase PropelA's positive impact on young Kenyans pursuing careers in construction.
The visit offered a unique glimpse beyond the ordinary. Guests were treated to behind-the-scenes tours of Don Bosco Boys Town, where they witnessed firsthand the inspiring work being done to empower young people.
They also had the privilege of visiting the facilities of private sector partners, Allied Plumbers, and Mehta Electricals, gaining valuable insights into the real-world application of the skills being taught. The highlight of the visit was the opportunity to interact with our talented apprentices. These young individuals not only showcased their acquired skills through demonstrations, but also shared their personal experiences conveying the immense value of the dual vocational training they are receiving. This exchange provided a powerful testament to the programme's success in equipping young for bright futures in the skilled trades.
The highlight of the event was a public-private dialogue that brought together key stakeholders to address critical challenges in the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) system with the aim of fostering greater industry participation in TVET. Participants included representatives from our project partners, government educational bodies like the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), TVET, Don Bosco Boys Town (DBBT) and Swisscontact, leading the conversation.
The visit culminated in a dynamic networking event, fostering connections between key stakeholders from Kenya's construction industry, industry association, vocational institution, and government. This gathering served as a powerful testament to PropelA's commitment to a holistic and collaborative approach to transforming the sector.
This two-day visit solidified the importance of collaboration in building a brighter future for Kenya's youth and the construction sector. PropelA's unwavering influence on the industry and Kenya's economy is undeniable. But it's partnerships like this that truly propel their success.
Obed Oyaro's story, a 23-year-old plumbing apprentice, is a testament to the life-changing impact of the PropelA programme. Excelling in his KCSE exams wasn't enough to secure a university path due to financial constraints.
"My mother is a small-scale farmer while my father is a painter. Their income was not enough to take me and my siblings to school. I often missed classes due to lack of school fees. Luckily, I came along PropelA after completion of my secondary studies," Obed shared. "PropelA rekindled my hope.’’
The lack of skilled plumbers in his community sparked Obed's interest in the plumbing trade.
This project is financed by the Hilti Foundation and Geberit International AG. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.