On 6th of February, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), led by Ag. D.CEO Dr Ehud Gachugu hosted Dr Joseph Kanyi, Director of Linkages at the State Department for TVET to discuss different strategies focused on strengthening the collaboration between the Private Sector and the State Department for TVET to enhance the quality, relevance, and accessibility of technical and vocational training in Kenya. The meeting also attended by Ms Priscilla Kerebi, Vice Chair Education Sector Board highlighted key policy frameworks, ongoing initiatives, and actionable recommendations to ensure an effective industry-academia linkage that fosters youth employability and economic growth.

Speaking during the meeting, Ms Priscilla Kerebi highlighted how the Dual TVET policy presents a transformative approach to continue bridging the gap between industry needs and technical education by integrating structured workplace learning with formal training. She highlighted that the partnership between private sector and education institutions is critical in ensuring that the curriculum remains industry-relevant, equipping youth with the necessary practical skills, soft skills, and exposure to real work environments through provisions or attachment and internship opportunities.

One of the major areas of discussion, was the need to formalize engagement between the Private Sector and TVET institutions. Dr Kanyi noted on the keen interest of the department in ensuring that industry plays a greater role in training, to help bridge the skills gap between academia and industry. He additionally spoke on the need to focus on simplifying skill acquisition, shortening training durations, and making learning more flexible.

Also highlighted by Dr Ehud Gachugu was the importance of including Private Sector in the revision of the current curriculum to incorporate industry-relevant skills and the necessity of incorporating micro-credentials, making training more practical and aligned with workforce demands. The discussions also covered on the importance of Dual Training in the country while also emphasizing on policies and incentives to encourage private sector engagement in providing practical training. Breaking skills down into smaller, certified competencies will enhance employability and adaptability.

To address these challenges, KEPSA and the State Department of TVET agreed on some of the below action points:

1. Industry-Led Curriculum Development: Industry players must be involved in developing and assessing curricula to ensure training aligns with job market demands.

2. Collaboration Between Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, NITA, and Private Sector: Coordination and collaboration between different entities is crucial in developing occupational standards and understanding labour market skill need.

3. Strategic Partnership with Private Sector: The Private Sector led by KEPSA to act as an anchor to drive private sector involvement in TVET, ensuring stronger linkages between training institutions and employers.

4. Scaling already existing programs such as Dual TVET Program by KEPSA with strategic partnership of GIZ: The program has already facilitated over 70% of dual placements in Kenya. The goal is to scale up and operationalize this model across more institutions.

7. Industry Exchange visits and Reskilling of Trainers: KEPSA to explore industry-led training sessions for TVET principal and trainers to help them understand current industry trends and requirements to foster collaboration and practical exposure.

KEPSA has been at the forefront of enhancing Youth employability through different programs such as the Dual Training Program that aims to bridge the skills gap and ensuring Kenya’s workforce is competitive in the global market. KEPSA additionally played a key role in the formulation of the Dual Training Policy that was recently approved by the Cabinet, aiming to strengthen technical and vocational education and training in Kenya by integrating classroom instruction with hands-on industry training.