KEPSA, Ministry of Education, SDTVET and AfDB unveils an initiative aiming to address youth unemployment
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 30 – The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET) through strategic partnership with the African Development Bank and the Youth Employment Initiative Multi-Donor Trust Fund has launched Technical and Vocational Education and Training Entrepreneurship (TVET-E) Project.
TVET-E initiative aims to address youth unemployment in Kenya by strengthening the link between vocational training and industry, enhancing entrepreneurship skills and supporting job placement for 1,200 TVET graduates.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Esther Muoria reiterated that the significance of the initiative in addressing youth unemployment and enhancing the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education in Kenya and its alignment with the Ministry’s focus on demand-driven industry-responsive training.
“As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to empowering young people with the skills and opportunities they need, and I urge all stakeholders to actively engage and support this important work,” said Dr. Muoria.
In addition the project aligns with the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) human capital development strategy, which focuses on skills development as a driver of economic growth by integrating technical and vocational training with entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the Project aims to enhance self-employment, reduce reliance on formal employment, and contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki emphasized the importance of aligning technical and vocational education with current industry needs and noted KEPSA’s longstanding role in shaping policy, advocating for education reform, and fostering public-private partnerships.
“For the TVET-E project to succeed, we cannot afford to repeat past mistakes only then can we ensure it is scalable, sustainable and impactful youth employment must be treated as a national priority one that requires collaboration between government, the private sector and development partners,” said Ms Kariuki.
African Development Bank representative Aggrey Ndubi expressed excitement on the launch of the project while stating the importance of scaling such programs for youth empowerment.
“Through this project, we aim to enhance youth employability, strengthen the linkage between TVET institutions and industry, and support smooth transitions from training to meaningful employment”.
