Burhani Engineers Partners with Swisscontact to Address Kenya's Skills Gap and Youth Unemployment

In a significant move to address Kenya's skills shortage and youth unemployment, Burhani Engineers Ltd., a leading engineering company in Kenya, has joined forces with Swisscontact's PropelA apprenticeship program. This partnership, announced on December 5, 2024, is set to make a substantial impact on the country's plumbing and electrical sectors by providing young Kenyans with the skills needed to succeed in these growing fields.

The collaboration comes at a crucial time when Kenya faces a widening gap between available skills in the labor market and those required by industries. The PropelA program, designed as a dual apprenticeship model, offers a unique blend of classroom-based theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on work experience. This approach is particularly vital in developing a workforce that meets industry demands, potentially fostering sustainable economic growth in Kenya and beyond.

Swisscontact, an organization with a global presence, has partnered with Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Karen, Nairobi, to implement the PropelA program. This partnership focuses on providing comprehensive technical training to students, ensuring they are work-ready upon graduation. The program's emphasis on practical learning sets it apart, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Burhani Engineers' role in this initiative is crucial. The company is offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. One such beneficiary is Obed Bosire, a student currently enrolled in the PropelA program and placed at Burhani Engineers for the practical component of his apprenticeship. Under the guidance of experienced engineers and technicians, Obed is gaining valuable work experience that will help build a strong portfolio in the field of engineering.

The impact of this program extends beyond skill development. Apprentices like Obed also receive financial support through a stipend offered by Burhani Engineers during their time at the company. This financial assistance is a critical component of the program, providing students with the means to support themselves while they continue their training and begin building their careers. For many young Kenyans, this represents a significant step towards financial independence and long-term career success.

The partnership between Burhani Engineers and Swisscontact through the PropelA program serves as a model for how the private sector can collaborate with educational institutions to address skills shortages in key economic sectors. By providing practical training and employment opportunities, Burhani Engineers is playing a vital role in creating a pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to meet the demands of the engineering industry.

This initiative has far-reaching implications for Kenya's economy and workforce. By addressing the skills gap in the plumbing and electrical sectors, the program is likely to enhance the overall quality of services in these industries. This could lead to improved infrastructure development and maintenance across the country. Furthermore, by tackling youth unemployment, the program contributes to social stability and economic growth, potentially reducing poverty and inequality in Kenya.

The success of this program could also serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other sectors facing skills shortages. If replicated across various industries, such partnerships between private companies and educational institutions could significantly transform Kenya's workforce, making it more competitive on a global scale.

As Kenya continues to strive for industrial growth and economic development, initiatives like the Burhani Engineers and Swisscontact partnership play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country's workforce. By investing in the skills and capabilities of young Kenyans, this program not only addresses immediate industry needs but also lays the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and social development in Kenya.