This article examines the results of research into the determinants of
the demand for skilled engineering personnel in the manufacturing
sector in Kenya. There are two important sets of reasons for undertaking such an investigation. First, there is still relatively little empirical research concerned with the historical evolution and
present constitution of high and middle level labor markets in less
developed countries (LDCs). In view of the importance attached to
the provision of skilled personnel in the development process, it is
essential that more detailed studies of major occupational groups
are undertaken. The second reason is that, for obvious reasons,
engineering skills have been identified as being of critical importance in the development of indigenous technological capabilities in
LDCs such as Kenya. However, this has not resulted in a significant
amount of research concerned with analyzing the training and utilization of engineering occupations in the developing world.
