MOMBASA, Kenya, July 30, 2025 — Once dismissed as a fallback plan, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is fast becoming Kenya’s frontline engine for youth empowerment and economic transformation — thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between the government and global development players.
Speaking at a milestone close-out forum in Mombasa, Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, hailed the impact of the Young Africa Works–Kenya TVET Programme, a five-year initiative that has rewritten the narrative of vocational training in the country.
“TVET is no longer the second-best option,” declared Dr. Muoria. “It’s the launch pad for a generation of empowered, confident youth ready to lead Kenya’s economy into the future.”
The programme, launched in 2020, is a result of a strategic collaboration between the State Department for TVET, the MasterCard Foundation, and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). It has worked directly with 101 public TVET institutions across Kenya, targeting systemic change across the entire training ecosystem.
From policy reform and gender inclusion to applied research, innovation, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), the initiative has left no stone unturned. Notably, 138 industry-aligned CBET (Competency-Based Education and Training) courses have been introduced, reshaping how training meets market needs.
With 57 Industry Advisory Committees established and over 800 RPL certifications issued — including for refugees and informal workers — the programme is helping learners transition more seamlessly from training to employment.
“We’ve redefined vocational training as a first-choice pathway,” said Dr. Muoria, pointing to the ‘Niko Set Na TVET’ campaign, a visibility drive that has repositioned TVET as a smart, strategic career route.
To further support the transformation, 55 institutions have received modern equipment, particularly in high-growth areas such as aquaculture and the blue economy. Thousands of students have benefited from upgraded facilities, improved curricula, and a deeper connection between classroom learning and real-world demands.
“The result is a confident, competitive workforce equipped not just with skills, but with purpose,” added Dr. Muoria. “TVET is preparing youth not just for jobs — but for leadership.”
The department has also partnered with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to mobilize youth from rural and marginalized areas. With enrollment now at 700,000, the push continues to ensure 100% transition from basic to vocational education.
“We’re crafting talent in three-month modules — fast, effective, and industry-aligned,” she said.
Meanwhile, KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Wahome stressed the importance of evolving training to match the needs and aspirations of the modern learner.
“TVET must align with the digital age,” she noted. “We’re seeing demand for flexible, modular courses — but we also need to reach millions more young people still outside formal training.”
As Kenya races to become a knowledge and manufacturing economy, the shift in TVET’s stature signals more than institutional reform — it reflects a growing national consensus: skills are power, and vocational training is the new frontier of progress.
With the right policies, tools, and partners in place, Kenya is now poised to become a continental model for how to turn vocational training into a dynamic force for inclusive economic growth.
Ray ID: 8f3a2c1b9d4e5f6a · Performance & security by Cloudflare
site-verification-ok
