As thousands of university graduates struggle to find jobs each year, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are offering a practical solution to Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis. With approximately 2.3 million young people unemployed, and many others underemployed in roles unrelated to their qualifications, TVET is stepping in to bridge the gap between education and employability.
TVET programs provide a hands-on approach to learning, combining 50% theory and 50% practical training mirroring the German dual-training model. According to Dr. Esther Muoria, the Permanent Secretary in the State Department of TVET, the goal is to equip learners with market-ready skills, not just academic knowledge. “It is a matter of competency,” she emphasizes.
Enrollment in TVET institutions has soared from 300,000 in 2024 to 700,000 today, a 130% increase. This surge reflects the growing demand for technical skills in industries such as construction, ICT, hospitality, and agriculture. The government has responded by investing in more institutions, modern equipment, and updated curricula through partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Collins Kipkemei, a TVET graduate working on an Affordable Housing project in Ruiru, is a testament to this impact. “I am skilled in both layering and masonry, and the practical training I received has helped me become highly competent in my work,” he says. Collins believes TVET can transform Kenya’s economy by reducing dependence on foreign labor. “It’s the way to go for Kenya,” he adds.
Efforts to enhance accessibility include expanding TVET institutions to all 290 constituencies, including marginalized areas, and recruiting youth through collaboration with National Government Administrative Officers. The revised Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) approach ensures students gain skills aligned with industry needs.
As Kenya pushes forward with its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), TVET remains a cornerstone producing skilled workers essential for sectors like housing, MSMEs, and agriculture. With continued investment and awareness, TVET is not just an alternative to university; it is a powerful engine driving Kenya’s future.
