Our Background
Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) is the only Government Department under the Ministry of Industrialization offering training. It was established in 1965 with the support of the Japanese Government.
Initially, the institute was located in a 3-acre piece of land in Nakuru’s Industrial Area. However, due to need for expansion, it was re-located to a 40-acre piece of land along Nakuru – Solai road, 3kms from Nakuru town.
KITI was mandated to give trainees hands on training in technical skills with a strong component of entrepreneurship skills for self-employment. The objectives are to train artisans, craftsmen, technicians, engineering graduates, engineers and entrepreneurs to work in the existing industries and for self-employment; train middle level managers for the industrial sector and to carry out research in projects and products that would accelerate rural industrialization.
Over the years, the institute has kept to her mandate of training even though there have been adjustments in the training programs in order to respond the changing needs of the customers. One such need was driven by the demand for nationally recognised certification for purposes of employment. This led to mounting training programs examined by bodies such as Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) in addition to giving the desired hands on training.
The training programs vary between three months and three years. However, the institute also offers shorter courses for specific groups or clients (tailor made courses to meet client’s training requirements).
The institute has 10 training departments most of which have adequate training space in form of workshops and classrooms. These departments are: -
a) Automotive Engineering
b) Building and Construction
c) Mechanical Engineering
d) Electrical Engineering
e) Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering
f) Leather Technology
g) Fashion Design and Clothing Technology
h) Foods and Beverage
i) ICT
j) Business Administration.
The institute has a number of ongoing projects which include equipping of the workshops and classrooms, construction of the auditorium, hostels, playing grounds and central stores.
Currently, the institute is under the management of the Director with the support of the HODs/HOSs, various committees, and the Students’ Council. However, to strengthen governance in preparation to moving to the SAGA status, a Board of Governors has been put in place.
