When we look at big successful companies and other institutions around us, we often cannot fathom how they started.
However, most of these institutions are brainchildren of resilient individuals who invested all their time and effort to create an impact in society while contributing to economic growth.
One such individual is John Kang’ethe the founder of Sensei Institute of Technology. The businessman revealed he started the institution after experiencing the challenge of a lack of qualified construction personnel.
Kang’ethe explained that whenever he hired heavy machinery operators to work at his construction site, he would be disappointed by their output and this put his work at risk.
This prompted him to start a college in 2013 where he could offer technical training to the required Standard.
Sensei Institute of Technology provides specialized technical training in over 50 different courses, ranging from construction machinery operation to security systems and automotive engineering.
”Our primary goal is to equip African youth with the market-ready, practical skills they need to succeed in various industries. We address the skills gap in Kenya by offering hands-on, practical training aligned with industry demands,’’ he says.
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The businessman revealed that at first, it was not easy scaling the institution while maintaining the quality of hands-on training. He further admitted mistakes during his initial years which significantly impacted his business.
”Early on, we underestimated the demand for skilled labor in certain industries, which led to some courses being under-enrolled. We learned to stay flexible, constantly assess market demands, and be proactive in adjusting our course offerings.’’
However, by continuously upgrading training equipment and engaging industry professionals, the institution grew to profitability leading to the opening of its second branch in Nairobi.
”A key decision was the expansion to a second campus, which allowed us to accommodate more students and introduce new courses. This move, along with partnering with industries for job placements, significantly contributed to our growth,’’ adds Kang’ethe.
He notes that by offering unique courses that match industry needs, Sensei Institute has helped its graduates stay relevant in the ever-changing Kenyan market.
To anyone wishing to follow a similar career path, Kang’ethe advises them to stay persistent, embrace innovation, and build a strong team that believes in their vision.
”Don’t be afraid to start small, but always keep the bigger picture in mind. The key to success is solving real problems and staying adaptable in a constantly changing environment,’’ he says.
The businessman is confident that in the next five years, Sensei Institute will have equipped more young people with technical skills across all industries.