Kenya, China partner to boost technical training at local institutions
By Faith Macharia, July 21, 2025Kenya and China have marked a new milestone in their longstanding partnership with the official launch of the Sino-Kenya Craftsmen Academy at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), with the aim of boosting Technical Training and Global Competitiveness
The academy, a collaborative initiative involving the Inner Mongolia Technical College of Mechanics and Electronics, AVIC International, and TUK, represents over 16 years of successful cooperation in vocational education between Kenya and China under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speaking on July 20, 2025, during the event, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba described the launch as the continuation of a deeply rooted partnership that has already benefited more than 700 participants from nine African countries through the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC).
The competition, which combines training and technical support, has grown into Africa’s largest and most prestigious skills competition, symbolising technical excellence and youth empowerment.
“This academy is a beacon of promise. It will provide a platform for nurturing diverse talents, fostering cutting-edge innovation, and strengthening people-to-people diplomacy between Kenya and China. This is a deliberate and strategic move to anchor TVET as a pillar of our national development,” Ogamba said.
Ogamba also stated that the Academy will provide an excellent platform for nurturing diverse talents and skills, and for fostering cutting-edge research and innovation into the challenges that face the world of today.
“Through the Academy, we will promote our people-to-people diplomacy and advance linkages between academic institutions and industry in both our countries,” said Ogamba.
Assuring that the government will leverage the platform provided by the Academy to enhance institutional and professional capacities and to promote standards and quality in technical and vocational training.
Principal Secretary for TVET, Esther Muoria, emphasised the significance of the academy in advancing Kenya’s TVET reforms.
These include modernising 194 curricula, rolling out competency-based training, and expanding partnerships with over 2,500 industries to ensure trainees get hands-on, industry-relevant experience.
“This collaboration resonates deeply with Kenya’s vision of positioning TVET at the heart of the development agenda,” said Muoria.
“It bridges theory and practice, empowers youth, and enhances employability by exposing trainees to modern technologies, international exchanges, and real-world applications,” she added.