The Kenyan government is strengthening its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector through industry-led training initiatives. Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, emphasized the government's commitment to deepening collaboration between training institutions and industry. This aims to ensure that skills development responds to changing labour market demands. The government seeks to produce competent and industry-ready graduates to support national economic transformation.
Dr. Muoria visited the Nairobi National Polytechnic, where she witnessed practical demonstrations in the Automotive Mechatronics workshop. The project showcases the impact of Dual TVET in bridging the gap between classroom instruction and workplace competencies. The integration of structured workplace learning into technical training enables young people to acquire practical competencies and industry experience. This approach gives them the confidence required to transition into employment.
The government has continued to see the positive impact of dual training on young people. The initiative equips them with competencies that respond directly to industry needs. Dr. Muoria expressed appreciation to development partners and industry players supporting the initiative. She noted that such partnerships are critical in strengthening the quality, relevance, and responsiveness of TVET programmes.
Finnish Ambassador to Kenya, Riina-Riikka Heikka, said the partnership demonstrated the transformative potential of investing in technical skills development. The results emerging from Dual TVET are adding value to both trainees and employers. Heikka identified confidence, motivation, and pride among young people as important outcomes of quality technical training. The combination of institutional instruction and workplace experience gives trainees a stronger foundation for their professional journeys.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, Kang Hyung-shik, said TVET provided a solid foundation for linking education with employment. This is achieved through the integration of classroom learning and practical industry experience. The Ambassador acknowledged the partnership between Nairobi National Polytechnic and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the collaboration, particularly in developing the beauty training centre.
German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, was impressed by the progress made in strengthening Kenya's TVET sector. He described the cooperation between Kenya and Germany as mutually beneficial. Groth emphasized the importance of equipping young people with relevant expertise and internationally competitive competencies. This enables them to participate in emerging employment opportunities and support structured labour mobility.
The Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training Project supports the Ministry of Education in strengthening and institutionalizing Dual TVET in Kenya. As of November 2026, approximately 100 TVET institutions had institutionalized Dual TVET programmes. More than 2,000 companies are participating in the initiative, with about 20,000 trainees enrolled across the country. At Nairobi National Polytechnic, the programme has benefited over 200 trainees in Automotive Technology, Hospitality, and Information and Communication Technology.
Key points
- The Kenyan government is advancing reforms in TVET through collaboration with industry and development partners to produce competent and industry-ready graduates.
- The Dual TVET programme combines institution-based theoretical instruction with structured workplace learning through partnerships between training institutions and employers.
- As of November 2026, over 20,000 trainees were enrolled in the Dual TVET programme across the country.
