On 28th May 2025, the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) proudly joined other institutions in celebrating the graduation of the second cohort of the SKIES (Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem) Rapid Tech Skills Program under the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP). This transformative initiative is equipping Kenyan youth with essential skills to drive digital transformation and economic growth. The initiative is funded by the World Bank, and implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry; State Department for Industry. The initiative is managed by Spineberg and E4Impact.
A total of 264 graduates were recognized for completing training in key areas such as Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, and Software Engineering, with 34 of these talented individuals hailing from TUM.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Industry, shared his enthusiasm for the program’s remarkable achievements, saying:
“It is my biggest joy that a five-year project has in two years done the unthinkable; we now have our very own KIEP-SKIES beneficiaries boarding planes to represent the World Bank with their tech skills and innovative world.”
Dr. Mukhwana was joined by several distinguished guests, including Sameer Goyal, KIEP Team Task Lead and World Bank Representative; Tally Einav, UNIDO Country Representative; Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, DVC Research, Innovation and Outreach at Kenyatta University; Prof. Stanley Mutsotso, SKIES Committee Chair; and various other DVCs and principals.
The World Bank representative, Mr. Sameer Goyal said, the institution was delighted to partner with the Government of Kenya to support the development of tech skills which empower entrepreneurs and youths to expand their skills and explore new employment opportunities. “Skills development is at the heart of changes in education and labour markets across the world prompted by the global mega trends- automation, digitalization of products and services, and a shrinking labour force – which are changing the nature of work and skills demands.” he said.
The program was delivered by seven leading public universities: Kenyatta University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kibabii University, Open University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, and Mama Ngina University.
At TUM, the second cohort benefited from two forward-thinking tracks: Software Engineering and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, complemented by essential soft skills and entrepreneurship training. These fields are at the cutting edge of technology and have positioned the graduates to play pivotal roles in driving Kenya’s and Africa’s digital future.
Professor Laila Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of TUM, reflected on the importance of the program, stating:
“The KIEP-SKIES initiative exemplifies the positive results that can be achieved through strategic partnerships and targeted training, empowering young talent with the skills needed in the industry.”
Joining the Vice Chancellor was the TUM Principal Investigator, Dr. Mathew Egessa, who expressed, “Beyond technical training, this journey has been one of immense personal growth, learning, and connection. I am truly grateful to have shared this path with our brilliant students and dedicated team. Let us continue to innovate and grow together.”
With several graduates already securing job offers, the success of the program is evident. The graduates’ skills are highly sought after, highlighting the relevance and impact of the training they’ve received.
The KIEP-SKIES program continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity, offering Kenya’s youth a clear path to becoming global tech leaders.
