Mt Kenya stakeholders back dual TVET model to boost youth jobs and skills

Stakeholders engage in a high-level panel discussion on strengthening industry–institution collaboration and enhancing quality mentorship for trainees at the Mt Kenya Regional Stakeholders Forum in Murang’a./HANDOUT

Education stakeholders in the Mt Kenya region have reaffirmed their support for the dual Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model, describing it as a key solution to youth unemployment and skills mismatch in the labour market.

Speaking during the Mt Kenya Regional Dual TVET Stakeholders’ Forum held in Murang’a, participants said the training approach is critical in equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills.

The forum, themed “Reflecting, Reinforcing, and Repositioning Dual TVET for 2026,” brought together TVET principals, industry players, trainees, government officials and development partners to assess progress and plan the next phase of implementation.

The dual TVET model allows students to split their time between classroom learning and hands-on industry experience. It is currently being implemented by the State Department for TVET with support from the governments of Germany and Finland through GIZ Kenya and GFA Consulting Group.

In the Mt Kenya region, the programme supports 20 institutions, including national polytechnics and vocational training colleges.

Stakeholders said this has strengthened collaboration between training institutions and industry, expanded workplace learning opportunities and improved alignment with labour market needs.

Jeff Kamau, Director of the Dual TVET Coordination Unit at the State Department for TVET, said the rollout of the National Dual TVET Policy will play a crucial role in scaling the programme.

“The National Dual TVET Policy provides a clear framework for institutionalising dual training across Kenya’s TVET system. Our focus now is to ensure that implementation is driven by strong partnerships between government, training institutions, and industry so that the system delivers quality skills development and improved employment outcomes for young people,” he said.

Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the success of the programme.

“We are no longer just training for certificates, we are preparing a workforce for real jobs, real industries, and a rapidly evolving economy. Dual TVET is rewriting Kenya’s story, shifting us from theory to practice, from classroom learning to strong industry partnerships, and from supply-driven education to a system shaped by the demands of the labour market,” said Gideon Murenga, a Senior TVET and Labour Markets Advisor at GIZ Kenya.

Training institutions noted that the model is already improving the quality and relevance of technical education.

“This project has been instrumental in strengthening partnerships between institutions and industry, embedding structured workplace learning that equips trainees with real, practical skills even as they study. With the rollout of the national Dual TVET policy, we now have a stronger framework to scale the model, ensuring inclusivity, quality mentorship, and closer alignment with labour market demands,” said Rachel Kimani, Chief Principal of Nyeri National Polytechnic.

Industry players also backed the initiative, noting its benefits in preparing job-ready graduates.

“As the world of work evolves, Dual TVET enables industry to engage trainees early; mentoring them, shaping their skills, and immersing them in company culture—while significantly reducing the cost and time of onboarding new employees,” said Maureen Gathua of Autospin Garage Ltd.

Participants further identified priority areas to strengthen the programme, including gender inclusion and support for persons with disabilities.

The forum concluded with stakeholders committing to deepen partnerships and scale up the dual training model as part of efforts to enhance youth employability and strengthen Kenya’s technical training system.