The government has reaffirmed its commitment to address youth unemployment by shifting focus from mere training to job creation and entrepreneurship through technical and vocational education.
Speaking during the 2025 National TVET Career and Employment Summit held at the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Acting Secretary of the TVET Sector Joseph Njau, representing the PS for TVET, said the forum aims to bridge the gap between training and the job market.
“Initially, training institutions were only concerned with the supply side of education, training and giving certificates. But now, we are taking it a step further to ensure we also play an active role in the demand side. We are mentoring young people to become entrepreneurs, to create jobs, and to access employment opportunities,” Njau said.
He added that the summit, organized in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), is part of a nationwide initiative to connect youth, employers, and industries.
“We want to make sure that youth from all corners of the country have equal access to opportunities in job creation, job placement, and entrepreneurship. Unemployment has been a biting challenge in Kenya, especially among the youth. This program is designed to respond directly to that,” he noted.
The initiative targets to link at least 600 young people to employment opportunities by the end of the year.
Njau explained that in addition to employers, the program is also bringing angel investors on board to support youth with bankable business ideas.
He also highlighted the ongoing rollout of the modular training system, which breaks down courses into short three-month skill blocks. This approach allows students to gain practical, hands-on skills early and seek employment even before completing the full training program.
“For example, a student in building and construction will start on site from day one, clearing, measuring, digging, and building. Within three months, that learner is ready for employment,” he explained.
He added that the new system places 90% emphasis on hands-on training and only 10% on theory. Assessment is also continuous.
“In the modular system, testing goes hand in hand with training. Every task completed earns the student marks through a daily portfolio of evidence. By the time a student reaches the end, 90% of the exam is already done,” said Njau.
On his part, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Deputy CEO of KEPSA and Global Director for Youth and Jobs, underscored the importance of putting industry at the center of training.
“We must start training for jobs. The only way to do that is to involve the private sector fully. Today marks the beginning of a series of activities across the country to align training with industry needs,” he said.
Dr. Gachugu added that Kenya’s economy is largely informal, meaning entrepreneurship must be given equal priority.
“We don’t have sufficient formal jobs for everyone. That’s why we are pushing for multiple pathways for youth, employment, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and apprenticeships. With industry involved, we can unlock opportunities and support young people to thrive.”
The summit brought together students, training institutions, industry representatives, and investors from across the Coast region, a move organizers say will shrink the gap between academia and industry.