Samsung Electronics is set to launch the country’s first Engineering Academy within the next six months.

The Engineering Academy will address the critical technical and engineering skills shortage in country.

Samsung will develop the computing skills and infrastructure of P.C kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Nairobi.

As part of the initiative, Samsung has donated 20 Laptops as well as announced plans to build an internet school for P.C kinyanjui Technical Training Institute.

Speaking following the donation, Samsung’s East and Central Africa, Corporate Marketing Manager, Ms. Betty Radier, the laptops will be used to develop the Institute’s staff skills.

“The laptops will assist the institution integrate use of ICTs in teaching vocational courses and other technical courses and Provide staff with tool for conducting research and preparing teaching materials,” said Ms. Radier.

Technology Partners will initially undertake the training of teachers and support staff using the newly set up Samsung ICT lab at the Incubation Centre.

Students who graduate from the Academy will have a chance to compete for an internship opportunity at one of Samsung’s service centres where they will put the skills learned at the Academy to practical use for Samsung customers.

“This initiative will strive to transform communities through education and skills development and in return, open up skilled, well-paying job opportunities for the graduates,” said Ms. Radier.

Ms. Radier said the programme will also support government’s efforts in up scaling technical training in the country.

“Kenya aims to be a regional centre for research and development in new technologies. This will be achieved through among other initiatives, strengthening partnerships with the private sector,” said Ms. Radier.

Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are part of the company's broader goal to develop 10 000 Electronics Engineers across the continent by 2015.

Samsung recently launched its first Solar Powered Internet School in South Africa with plans underway to establish a similar one in Kenya.

The solar-powered, mobile and completely independent classroom is geared towards increasing accessibility to education and connectivity across Africa. Each Solar Powered Internet School is a 40 foot long shipping container, which makes it easily transportable via truck to remote areas.