The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, State Department of TVET, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, this week conducted a Student-Industry selection and placement session from May 13th to May 17th, 2024, in Nairobi, Kiambu and Coast Region. This matching session under the Dual TVET Program, provided a platform for companies and the industry to interview and select TVET students from various institutions in the region while also sharing insights on what skills are on high demand in the market.

The Dual TVET Program aims to annually engage over 1,000 students, aligning them with relevant industries across Kenya. By 2027, the program targets to equip over 6,000 Kenyan youths with practical industry skills, ensuring more than 40% participation from women and 1% from persons with disabilities. This initiative is designed to enhance youth employability and support Kenya's economic growth by bridging the gap between education and industry.

High youth unemployment rates are a significant challenge in the country, the Dual TVET Program addresses this issue by creating pathways to gainful employment through industry-relevant skill training. By partnering with local industries and tailoring training programs to meet their needs, the initiative supports the growth of key sectors. This collaboration not only creates jobs but also stimulates regional economic development in the country.

The selection and placement sessions held in the Coast region, Nairobi and Kiambu county, offered a unique opportunity for companies to interact with and interview students from diverse backgrounds and institutions. This process allowed organizations to find candidates with fresh perspectives and practical skills, while students gain insights into industry demands and connect directly with potential employers.

In Nairobi and Kiambu Regions, the session brought together over 100 students from different institutions including; Kiambu National Polytechnic, Gatundu Technical Vocational College, PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, Thika Technical Training Institute and Nachu Technical Training Institute. These students were able to engage and interact with different stakeholders while understanding different requirements to be marketable in the ever evolving industry market.

Additionally, in the Coast Region, the program toured over 4 different counties including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta County. In these engagements, over 300 students from different Technical Training Institutes were able to present and showcase their skills and competencies around different courses for them to secure positions at the industry.

Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director of Youth and Jobs at KEPSA, emphasized the program's focus on nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and unleashing the potential of every individual. He highlighted KEPSA's commitment to youth empowerment and the crucial role of private-public partnerships in advancing the TVET sector. In his remarks he additionally noted the importance of Soft skills and digital literacy required in the job industry highlighting the need for the students to advancing in these skills.

Institutions participating in the Dual TVET Training in the Coast Region include Likoni TVC, Msambweni TVC, Ahmed Shahame Mwidani TTI, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kaloleni TVC, Weru TVC, Godoma TTI, Kinango TVC, Taita Taveta National Polytechnic, and Taveta TVC. The program covers courses such as Food and Beverage, Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, Marine Welding and Fabrication, Automotive Engineering and Technology, and Housekeeping and Accommodation.

The Dual TVET Program's collaboration with companies such as Jacaranda Hotel, Ken-Gen, Associated Vehicle Assemblers Limited (AVA), Diani Reef Hotel, Greif East Africa, and Sifa Powerlink ensures comprehensive training and mentorship for students.

While these national institutions are located in remote and rural areas, it is important to reflect on the significance of incentivized support for such institutions. They serve as beacons of hope for many young people eager to gain skills and secure employment, with the potential to transform their lives, families, communities, and our country.

To increase the impact of these transformative initiatives, there is need to Support for Small Enterprises that can provide entry-level job experiences for TVET youth. Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship additionally plays a central role in solving community challenges in both rural and urban areas. We need to foster an employment mindset emphasizing innovation, entrepreneurship, value addition, and work readiness. Finally Integrating Digital Skills so as to expose these youth undertaking TVET courses to digital skills.

The collaboration between the private sector and TVET institutions is crucial for the success of the Dual TVET Program. By aligning training curricula with industry needs, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, driving productivity and competitiveness. This partnership reduces business retraining costs and fosters a culture of excellence among the youth workforce, unlocking potential for innovation and growth.

The Dual TVET Program reimagines traditional onboarding processes, transforming classrooms into innovation hubs and equipping trainees with essential skills, knowledge, and mindsets. It calls on businesses and stakeholders to support talent development and future-proof the productivity and efficiency of the workforce. The ongoing selection and placement sessions will ensure that all students are matched with employers, paving the way for their dual training and enhanced employability.

Additionally while in the Coast Region, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance took part in the  graduation ceremony of the Power Learn Project Software Developer trainees,in partnership with the Kilifi County Government. KEPSA will partner with the Power Learn Project and the County Government of Kilifi to harness the potential of the 400 new developers trained through the initiative. Through this partnership KEPSA's main role will be to focus on working with the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to place the new developers in meaningful work. This approach ensures that the developers can contribute to the growth and innovation of local businesses.

Moreover, KEPSA will leverage the Ajira Digital Program to funnel these developers into remote work opportunities globally. The Ajira Digital Program aims to empower Kenyan youth to access online jobs, thus expanding their employment prospects beyond local markets. .

This initiative underscores the importance of private sector involvement in education and skills training, ensuring that Kenya's youth are prepared to meet the demands of the modern workforce