Captains of Industry Champion Solutions to address Industry’s Skills Gap

Kenya Association of Manufacturers together with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nairobi and the Delegation of German Industry, today held a workshop that sought to address the alarming skills gap in the country and seek for ways to transfer knowledge and technical skills into the market.

Under the theme “Solutions for Productivity, Efficiency and Innovation in Industry” the workshop brought together various CEOs and Senior Executives from local businesses to brainstorm the immediate strategies with regard to skill and technical know-how that industry should embark on. These areas were identified and addressed through the Manufacturing Academy whose main aim is to provide technical and/ or specialized training services for industry to grow its competitive edge.

Speaking at the workshop KAM Chief Executive Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga said that a skilled workforce is necessary to spark the industrial revolution we are seeking as a country. “We need people who, not only know what is being done as best practice, but can use that to solve our unique problems and come up with new ideas to catapult local businesses to compete at a global level now and in the future.”

Read: The Value of Investing in Human Capital

KAM, through its Manufacturing Academy provides top notch training geared towards bridging the gap between the need for the relevant and up-to-date skills fit for industry.  This is done through provision of capacity building and technical training. Business leaders have identified their needs not only in terms of the technical skills that are required, but also put even greater emphasis on the “soft skills” that are critical for workplace success.

“In the Manufacturing Sector, there is the inability to understand how a small task such as tightening a bolt fits into the bigger picture. There is also little understanding of the different machines and equipment used in the industry which leads to reliance on judgment rather than on the instructions, said Ms. Wakiaga.

The Deputy Ambassador and Head of Economic Affairs of the German Embassy said capacity building through technical training is imperative for any organisation to improve its bottom line, ultimately driving further industrialisation and productivity.

“Kenya has a vision to become an industrialized country and technology transfer will play a key role towards this.  We are glad to be a key contributor to this efforts to inject futuristic perspectives into the country’s journey towards industrialization and realization of vision 2030. Our aim is to keep the dialogue on the needs of industry, open, flexible and useful for the young graduates and workforce in general, in this country. “ He said.

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Every year, KAM prepares the Manufacturing Priority Agenda – a concise guide presentation on the most burdensome challenges facing industry in Kenya and which should receive the highest attention in our engagement with government and related public authorities throughout the year. One of the main pillars this year is Securing the Future of Industry which lays emphasis on Availability of Skilled Labour; Innovation and Technical Upgrade and  Sustainable Development through Green Growth.

Some of the trainings offered at the Manufacturing Academy include, Manufacturing Finance, Energy Management, value chain development and market linkages, product design and development, Energy Audits among many others.

“It is in our interest as industry to get involved in the curriculum development of our schools to produce a workforce that will be agile and visionary in building our nation. It is with this in mind that KAM’s Manufacturing Priority Agenda for 2016 focuses on skills development as one of its key pillars,” said Ms. Wakiaga.

KAM will continue to enhance similar partnerships that will help address industry needs.