The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in the Coast Region held a two-day engagement series with coastal employers in Kilifi and Mombasa Counties on August 21 and 22, 2024. The theme, "Bridging Skills, Empowering Futures: Uniting Industry and Education," brought together key stakeholders to discuss the critical role of industry in shaping vocational education.

The forum, organized by KEPSA in collaboration with the Federation of Kenya Employers, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and GIZ (German International Cooperation), gathered 75 participants at Premium Inn Hotel Mombasa. The event aimed to foster dialogue between employers, training institutions, government agencies, and development partners.

As Kenya continues to bridge the gap between education and industry, the focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains critical. The ambitious goal of the project is to place 6,000 students across the country into labor-market-relevant courses, with a strong emphasis on gender equality by ensuring 40% of these placements are young women. This initiative will engage 60 TVET institutions and 800 companies, aiming to train 1,800 TVET

While delivering his key remarks, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director Youths, Jobs & Ajira Digital, emphasized the critical need for retooling and retraining both trainees and trainers to keep up with evolving industry demands. He highlighted the importance of active industry participation in curriculum development to ensure that TVET programs remain relevant and responsive to market trends.

Salome Isiye, from International Labour Organization (ILO) called for a concerted effort to retool trainers, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet current industry demands. She advocated for gender equality within technical courses and underscored the importance of collaboration in implementing the Dual TVET model, which combines in-class education with hands-on industry experience. Also, during the engagement, Winfred Wambui, Training Manager at Diamonds Malindi discussed the emerging trends and technological advancements that are reshaping various industries. She highlighted the need for TVET programs to adapt quickly to these changes to prepare students for the future workplace.

Key Discussion Points of the engagement:

• Incorporating AI and Automation in Waste Management:
  The integration of AI and automation into waste management was identified as a crucial step toward sustainable development, with TVET courses needing to reflect these advancements.
• Evaluating TVET Course Relevance to Industry Needs:
  There was a consensus on the importance of regularly evaluating TVET courses to ensure they remain relevant to industry needs, with a focus on practical, hands-on training.
• Rewarding Industry Support for Students:
  Speakers suggested the need for mechanisms to reward and recognize companies that actively support students through internships, apprenticeships, and other forms of industry engagement.
• Involving Various Ministries in TVET Development:
  The discussion highlighted the importance of involving multiple government ministries in the development and implementation of TVET programs to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach.
• Creating Self-Employment Opportunities:
  The need to equip students with entrepreneurial skills was emphasized, with the goal of creating self-employment opportunities in addition to traditional employment pathways.
• Changing the Perception of TVET Education:
  A key point raised was the need to change the perception of TVET education in Kenya, positioning it as a viable and respected alternative to traditional academic pathways.
• Addressing Ageism in the Workplace:
  The issue of ageism was brought to the forefront, with discussions on how TVET programs can help address this challenge by fostering inclusivity and diversity in the workforce.

The forum brought together representatives from various sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, and engineering. Participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration between industry and education to ensure that vocational training meets the evolving demands of the job market.

This engagement series marks a significant step in KEPSA's efforts to bridge the skills gap and empower future generations through industry-aligned vocational education in Kenya's coastal region.