On Monday, 16th February 2026, the PLEASE (Partnership for Learning & Skills to Advance Safer Engineering in East Africa) project team from Moi University, led by Prof. Augustine Makokha (PE, MIEK, CEM, CREP), held a strategic engagement meeting with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Nairobi. The primary focus of the meeting was to advance the implementation of the Marine Engineering Apprenticeship Programme.
Driving the Green and Digital Transformation
Marine engineers are central to delivering the green and digital transformation of the maritime sector. Their critical role ensures that emerging technologies are deployed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards. This initiative directly aligns with the “Engineering a Safer World” vision championed by the project’s funder, the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
Strengthening Training and Certification Frameworks
The PLEASE team was honored to be hosted by NITA leadership, including Ms. Theresa Wasike (Director General) and Ms. Jane Kamau (Director for Industrial Training & Skills Development). The productive discussions centered on several key objectives to empower the next generation of engineers:
- Structured Delivery: Strengthening the frameworks that guide the apprenticeship training.
- Assessment & Certification: Establishing robust assessment pathways to ensure apprentices attain nationally recognized skills credentials.
- Addressing Skills Gaps: Responding proactively to local capacity gaps to support the safe integration of digital technologies within Kenya’s maritime and energy infrastructure systems.
Through this collaborative effort, marine engineering apprentices will undergo structured, hands-on training and formal assessment by NITA, culminating in a highly valuable national skills certificate.
A Regional Hub for Engineering Safety
By actively bringing together academia, industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers, the PLEASE project continues to serve as a premier regional hub for knowledge exchange and capacity development in engineering skills for safety.