30 young professionals and aspiring renewable energy practitioners took part in the Technical and Vocational School, focused on Module 2 – “DRE Site Selection & Engineering” of the Micro-Grid Academy. The training was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4 to 10 February 2026, and was sustained by Enel Foundation, promoted by RES4Africa Foundation in collaboration with Strathmore University and St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute, and supported by the Mattei Plan for Africa.

The programme was structured in two phases. From 4 to 6 February, technical training sessions were hosted at St. Kizito VTI, where participants engaged in applied learning activities focused on site selection, engineering design criteria and technical decision-making for decentralized renewable energy systems. On 9 and 10 February, activities moved to Strathmore University, where students took part in academic and institutional sessions.

A highlight of the programme was an institutional exchange bringing together senior Italian and Kenyan representatives, including Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of University and Research of Italy; Julius Migosi Agambo , Kenyan Minister of Education; Vincent Ogutu, Vice-Chancellor of Strathmore University; Izael Da Silvia, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation at Strathmore University; Counselor Lorenzo Ortona, Deputy Coordinator of the Mattei Plan Task Force – Office of the Prime Minister of Italy; Fabio Minniti, Head of Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS); Isaac Kiva, Secretary of the Renewable Energy Department, Kenyan Ministry of Energy; Giulia Genuardi, Managing Director of the Enel Foundation; Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of the RES4Africa Foundation; and Patrick Njoroge, Headmaster of St Kizito VTI.

Supported by the Mattei Plan for Africa, the initiative went beyond technical training by strengthening cooperation between Italy and African countries, promoting local capacity building and supporting the creation of decent jobs to foster a just, inclusive and sustainable energy future.

Through a combination of technical learning, teamwork and institutional dialogue, the programme strengthened participants’ skills and contributed to building a new generation of professionals equipped to support the energy transition across East Africa.

This article was first published on the RES4Africa Foundation Website.