Kenya and China have taken a significant step in strengthening their partnership with the official launch of the Sino-Kenya Craftsmen Academy at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), aimed at advancing technical training and global competitiveness.
The academy is a joint initiative between the Inner Mongolia Technical College of Mechanics and Electronics, AVIC International, and TUK. It marks more than 16 years of collaboration in vocational education between the two nations under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speaking during the launch on July 20, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba hailed the project as a continuation of a productive and strategic relationship that has already empowered over 700 young people from nine African nations through the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC).
The ATC, a flagship programme combining training and technical support, has evolved into Africa’s largest and most prestigious technical skills competition, with a focus on 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,” Ogamba said.
He further noted that the government views the academy as a deliberate effort to position Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the core of Kenya’s development goals.
“Through the Academy, we will promote our people-to-people diplomacy and advance linkages between academic institutions and industry in both our countries,” he added.
Ogamba also assured that the government will use the academy to build both institutional and professional capacity, and promote high standards and quality in technical and vocational training.
On her part, Principal Secretary for TVET Esther Muoria said the academy comes at a time when Kenya is undertaking major reforms in the sector. These include modernising 194 curricula, adopting competency-based training, and collaborating with over 2,500 industries to offer trainees hands-on 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.
