On Oct 19, Kenya, the Morendat Institute of Oil & Gas National Polytechnic, wholly owned by Kenya Pipeline Company Plc (KPC Plc), announced a scale-up of specialised training and international certification for pipeline welders and other technical professionals to address skills gaps in the expanding oil and gas sector.
The institute targets training and certifying more than 30 pipeline welders each year, while acting managing director and CEO of KPC Plc, Mr Pius Mwendwa, said the school is positioned to deliver over 100 certified welders annually.
Since 2024, the institute has produced 101 certified welders, most placed with KPC and the remainder working abroad; this year it graduated 10 welders, up from fewer than ten a decade ago.
Mwendwa said the move aligns with Kenya’s industrialisation goals, aims to curb brain drain and lessen dependence on foreign expertise, and noted that the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu and the South Lokichar oil project in Turkana present major opportunities for Kenyan professionals. He added, “This will help to stem brain drain and importation of technicians,”.
Director Dr Nancy Kosgei said the training portfolio now includes competency-based diplomas, certificates, short courses and internationally recognised certification pathways, such as advanced welding that follows ISO 9606-1 standards. She remarked, “Our focus is to equip trainees with practical, industry-relevant skills,”.
Dr Kosgei also described the Recognition of Prior Learning programme, stating, “Our Recognition of Prior Learning programme provides a structured pathway for these individuals to obtain recognised certification,”.
The institute is pursuing partnerships with county governments, industry players and other bodies to broaden specialised training in areas including firefighting, occupational health and safety, emergency response, electrical installation and LPG handling.
Founded in 2014 as a regional centre of excellence, the institute was elevated to National Polytechnic status in September 2024 and has trained more than 6,000 professionals across Kenya and the wider East African region.
With campuses in Nairobi, Naivasha and Eldoret, the polytechnic is conducting a Nairobi roadshow to connect prospective trainees, parents, employers and other stakeholders with information on programmes, admissions and career pathways.
