Mombasa: A private-sector-led dual apprenticeship programme that has trained over 400 young people in Nairobi has expanded to Mombasa, with organizers targeting at least 280 apprentices in its first cohort in the coastal city.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Propela Dual Apprenticeship Programme, run by Swisscontact in partnership with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), seeks to equip youth aged between 18 and 25 with hands-on skills in plumbing and electrical installation. These sectors face a chronic shortage of trained workers along the Coast, prompting the expansion of the program.
Speaking during the launch, Swisscontact Head of Programme, Jimmy Delyon, shared that the initiative, which began in Nairobi four years ago, has recorded an 80 percent job retention rate among its graduates. This success has motivated the decision to scale up the program to Mombasa.
“The scale potential is huge. We don’t have a cap on the number. The youth unemployment problem is bigger than all of us can solve, but for a start, we are looking at over 280 apprentices getting into this cohort,” Delyon commented.
The programme specifically targets school leavers with a minimum grade of D-minus, with applications being received at the NITA training centre in Nyali. It stands out from many other youth training initiatives as it is not sponsored but funded through the NITA training levy, a statutory contribution paid by compliant private companies.
“This is a very good arrangement, and it shows the strength of the collaboration with the government, with the public sector, on how training can be funded and leveraged through both public and private sector financing,” Delyon further explained.
He highlighted the urgent need for skilled workers in the region, noting that the Coast alone requires more than 5,000 skilled plumbers and electricians annually, a demand current training capacity cannot meet.
Caroline Kanja, General Manager of Jupiter Energy Solutions, a Nairobi-based electrical firm, emphasized that the initiative addresses a critical gap in technical and soft skills among young technicians. Her company has hosted nearly 20 apprentices, with eight already graduated.
“Most technicians learn on the job, but skills like reading drawings on site are never taught. This programme gives them that, together with soft skills and self-confidence, so they can even become entrepreneurs,” Kanja remarked, warning that engaging unskilled labour often leads to increased costs.
Naeem Pasta, Director of Contech Technology Limited in Mombasa, expressed optimism about the program’s expansion to the city, stating that it has positively impacted his company’s productivity by supplying trained plumbers and electricians.
“Mombasa generally lacks training facilities. The fact that they are taking Mombasa seriously is very positive for us in the industry,” he said, noting that the programme is helping youth find structured, well-paying jobs.
