The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA in partnership with the Ministry of Education, State Department of TVET, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Dual TVET Program jointly conducted the Student-Industry  Placement Program in the Coast Region. This innovative initiative, held on September 17, 2024, brought together over 25 industry partners and 160 students from Taveta TVC and Taita Taveta National Polytechnic, bridging the gap between education and industry needs across diverse sectors including hospitality, gemology, construction, manufacturing, automotive, mining, maritime, and textile and apparel.

The engagement was a unique opportunity giving the organizations a platform to carefully interview and vet students from different backgrounds and institutions to find individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and practical skills to their teams. The Selection process also offered students a chance to connect directly with employers and gain insights into what the industry demands. With a commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, the Program will ensure a seamless transition of the students into the industry which will eventually lead to increased employment prospects for TVET graduates.

The event, skilfully convened by KEPSA Coast Region Program Officer Maurice Owaka, underscored KEPSA's pivotal role in TVET transformation and the imperative need for youth to embrace technological advancements in their academic and professional journeys. Owaka also introduced the KEPSA Digital Skills Enhancement and Advancement Program (DSEAP), a cutting-edge resource offering a plethora of online courses designed to augment students' skills and prepare them for the evolving demands of the workplace. This platform stands as a testament to KEPSA's commitment to fostering continuous learning and adaptability among Kenya's youth.

Mr. Stephen Ngome, representing Taita Taveta National Polytechnic (TTNP), lauded KEPSA's efforts in forging crucial partnerships and creating tangible opportunities for young talents within the private sector. His impassioned address to the students emphasized the importance of professional conduct during their industry placements, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between student performance and the reputation of their institutions and KEPSA. This underscores the program's holistic approach, focusing not just on skill development but also on instilling professional ethics and responsibility.

The event was further enriched by the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from GIZ, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), who contributed to meaningful dialogues about industry collaboration, reinforcing the need for shared responsibility in shaping a future-ready workforce. Their participation underlined the collaborative nature of this initiative, bringing together educational institutions, industry partners, and support organizations to create a robust ecosystem for TVET education and employment.

Looking ahead, this initiative sets the stage for transformative action in the TVET sector. Key action points emerging from this event include:

• Expanding the network of industry partners to provide more diverse placement opportunities for students.
• Enhancing the DSEAP platform with industry-specific modules to ensure curriculum relevance.
• Establishing a mentorship program connecting industry professionals with TVET students for long-term career guidance.
• Developing a feedback mechanism to continuously improve the alignment between TVET training and industry needs.
• Organizing regular industry-academia forums to keep the curriculum updated with the latest technological advancements and industry practices.

As KEPSA continues to champion this cause, the Dual TVET initiative stands as a beacon of hope for Kenya's youth, promising not just education, but a direct pathway to meaningful employment and career growth. This program exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and development partners in driving economic growth and youth empowerment in Kenya.

For more details on how to partner with KEPSA to support the Dual TVET students in Coast Region, please contact Maurice Owaka via mowaka@kepsa.or.ke. Feel free to also commit to providing training slots via the link herein https://forms.office.com/r/iQ4FyBWhXw