The Kariobangi Centre of Excellence recently hosted its inaugural training session on the fabrication, assembly, and operation of edible oil processing machines. The event brought together over 40 fabricators and engineers, with the Principal Secretary for the State Department of MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, presiding over the launch. In her address, Hon. Mang’eni commended the participants for their dedication to the week-long training. She emphasized that this initiative will play a vital role in boosting household incomes, benefiting not only the fabricators and machine operators but also the farmers who supply raw materials for oil production.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, CBS speaking during the launch of the training in Kariobangi Centre of Excellence
She further noted that an estimated 300 machines will be fabricated by April, creating employment opportunities for young people. MSEA will play a crucial role in expanding training clusters to ensure more people benefit from this initiative. Additionally, MSEA will continue linking MSEs to more of such opportunities for growth and sustainability. Hon. Mang’eni emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting this sector through key agencies. Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) will collaborate with fabricators to provide a market for the machines, while the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) will ensure the machines meet the highest quality standards. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will certify that the machines comply with both local and international market requirements. Other agencies will also be involved in enhancing the quality and marketability of the fabricated machines.
PS State Department of MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Dr. Dominic Menjo from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), and a trainer from Vitaseed Oil Mills Limited observe a demonstration of the oil extractor in operation
She pointed out that Kenya’s edible oil market is vast, with local consumption estimated at around 150 million liters, presenting a significant opportunity for fabricators and investors. Additionally, she spoke about the potential for the attendees to expand their businesses under the Kenya Youth Employment and Training (KJET) program, thereby contributing to the growth of the Kenyan economy.
The fabricators and engineers participating at the 1st training sessions
Hon. Mang’eni also acknowledged the private sector’s role in the training, thanking Vitaseed Oil Mills Limited for dedicating their time and expertise to the demonstration on machine fabrication. In conclusion, she urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunities provided and to focus on scaling their businesses from micro-enterprises to established corporate entities.
During the launch, Dr. Dominic Menjo from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS) facilitated the first part of the training. He provided valuable insights into the Kenyan economy, highlighting existing challenges and opportunities in five key priority sectors. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to creating structures for sustainable job creation, particularly for MSEs, and ensuring that government agencies facilitate the growth of small businesses.
Dr. Dominic Menjo from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS) conducting a training session for fabricators and engineers
The event was attended by representatives from various organizations, including Kenya Industrial Estates, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), Numerical Machining Complex, the Jua Kali Federation, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
