On May 15^th 2023, KEPSA represented by Dr. Ehud Gachugu, the Youth Employment Director; Ms. Priscilla Kerebi, the Vice Chair of the Education sector board (TVET); and Ms. Wambui Mbarire, the Vice Chair of the Devolution sector board, joined other stakeholders in the newly launched GIZ/Finnish program at a Hotel in Nairobi. The program’s purpose is to explore how the private sector can contribute to enhancing the inclusive employability of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates, with a particular focus on gender and Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

The meeting centered around the role of the private sector in dual training within TVET institutions and the industry. It was established that the private sector plays a pivotal role in supporting the transformation of the TVET sector in Kenya. Given the increasing demand for skilled workers at local, regional, and global levels, Kenya has a strategic opportunity to address the challenge of youth unemployment by leveraging the expertise and resources of private sector actors.

The GIZ Youth Employment and Vocational Training Program, implemented by the Ministry of Education in Kenya, was initiated in 2019 with the aim of improving youth employability through practical training using the Dual TVET approach. Currently, in its second phase, which runs from January 2022 to December 2026, the program is expanding to encompass 60 TVET Institutions, targeting 6,000 students, including young women, youth and persons with disabilities.

The collaboration between KEPSA, KAM, RETRAK, and other private sector stakeholders with the GIZ/Finnish program signifies a concerted effort to bridge the gap between TVET education and the industry's workforce demands. By harnessing the potential of the private sector and prioritizing inclusivity, Kenya is taking significant strides toward empowering its youth and creating a more skilled and employable workforce.