On April 29th, 2025 The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET) through strategic partnership with the African Development Bank and the Youth Employment Initiative Multi-Donor Trust Fund, launched the Technical and Vocational Education and Training – Entrepreneurship (TVET-E) Project. The initiative aims to address youth unemployment in Kenya by strengthening the link between vocational training and industry, enhancing entrepreneurship skills, and supporting job placement for 1,200 TVET graduates. In attendance were Dr Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, and KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki.

This initiative is aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes industrialization and economic transformation through a skilled workforce. It also supports the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in manufacturing and job creation, by ensuring that training institutions produce graduates who meet industry needs. The project aligns with the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) human capital development strategy, which focuses on skills development as a driver of economic growth. By integrating technical and vocational training with entrepreneurship, the TVETE Project aims to enhance self-employment, reduce reliance on formal employment, and contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development.

While officially launching the project, Dr. Esther Muoria emphasized the significance of the initiative in addressing youth unemployment and enhancing the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education in Kenya, and its alignment with the Ministry’s focus on demand-driven, industry-responsive training.

“Through this project, we aim to enhance youth employability, strengthen the linkage between TVET institutions and industry, and support smooth transitions from training to meaningful employment. We appreciate the involvement of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), our implementing partner, which brings in extensive networks and expertise in engaging the private sector. This project reflects our collective commitment to inclusive development that delivers real impact for our youth. As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to empowering young people with the skills and opportunities they need, and I urge all stakeholders to actively engage and support this important work.”

Ms Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, emphasized the importance of aligning technical and vocational education with current industry needs and noted KEPSA’s longstanding role in shaping policy, advocating for education reform, and fostering public-private partnerships. Carole reiterated the significance of collaboration with the Ministry of Education, underlining that systemic change can only be achieved through united efforts.

“I see Africa’s growing youth population not as a burden, but as a powerful demographic advantage. We must be intentional about equipping our young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial competencies, and digital literacy. These are the tools that will position them to thrive, not only in traditional jobs, but in the rapidly expanding spaces of artificial intelligence and online work. We must also confront the gap that exists between education and employment. We need to ensure that our training institutions are guided by the evolving demands of the private sector and global economic trends so that our youth are truly job-ready.

At KEPSA, we’ve walked this journey before, and we must learn from experience. For the TVET-E project to succeed, we cannot afford to repeat past mistakes; only then can we ensure it is scalable, sustainable, and impactful. Youth employment must be treated as a national priority—one that requires collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners.”

Additionally, during the launch, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Ag. DCEO and Global Director Youth & Jobs at KEPSA delivered a comprehensive and strategic presentation on the overview of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training – Entrepreneurship (TVETE) Project. He outlined KEPSA’s role in youth employment and set the stage with an overview of the project’s vision: bridging the gap between training and employment through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and private sector linkages. Emphasizing a multi-phased implementation framework, Dr. Gachugu stressed the inclusive nature of the program with special consideration for women and persons with disabilities. Also speaking during the Launch, Aggrey Ndumbi, representing the African Development Bank, expressed their excitement about the launch of the project while stating the importance of scaling such programs for youth empowerment.

Also, in attendance were Mr. Joseph Njau, Ag. TVET Secretary, State Department for TVET (SDTVET), Mr. John Tuwei—Director, Priscilla Kerebi, Vice Chair, KEPSA Education Sector board (TVET), Ministry representatives, and over 50 principals from different technical institutions across the country, among other stakeholders.