The Kenyan government is spearheading a major push to realign the skills of its workforce with the evolving needs of both local and international job markets. This strategic move aims to ensure that the national curriculum, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, remains responsive to industry demands and technological advancements.
The announcement was made by the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Mr. Lee Kinyanjui, during a graduation ceremony of 700 students at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) in Nakuru.
TVET Revolution: From Theory to Market-Driven Skills
CS Kinyanjui emphasised that the fast-paced technological changes and the ongoing global industrial revolution necessitate a fundamental shift in TVET and polytechnic training programs.
“Skills acquired through TVETs and polytechnics can provide solutions to society, improve national development, food security, and other spheres of life,”
Kinyanjui stated. He urged technical institutions to produce research on future skills and labour market trends, highlighting the TVET Act 2013, which mandates continuous teacher retraining to better equip students.
The government’s focus is on creating a direct pipeline between training and industry, a move expected to have a ripple effect on the economy. “Businesses are likely to expand and create new jobs if they can find the talent they need,” he explained.
Addressing the Critical Artisan Shortage
A central concern raised by the CS is the worrying mismatch between academic qualifications and practical industry needs. While Kenya boasts a highly educated youth, there is a growing shortage of technicians and artisans—a gap that threatens economic goals.
“We boast of having an educated youth, whose glossy academic qualifications are a mismatch with practical industry needs,” Kinyanjui noted. “If we go on like this, we will start bringing in expatriate artisans and craftsmen.”
To achieve Kenya Vision 2030, the country urgently needs 90,000 technicians and over 400,000 artisans to plug the current deficit in fields like plumbing, electrical installation, welding, carpentry, and tailoring.
Industrial Development Decade & County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPs)
The CS linked these skills to the United Nations Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III, 2016-2025), which focuses on agro-value chains, Special Economic Zones, and digitisation. In support, the national government is establishing County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPs) across the country. These parks are envisioned as investment hubs and technology magnets that will drive production, create jobs, and boost exports.
Automotive Industry: A Cornerstone for Job Creation
In a significant reveal, CS Kinyanjui outlined ambitious plans to transform Kenya’s automotive industry into a major job creator. The newly approved National Automotive Policy aims to reduce reliance on imported used vehicles and promote local assembly and manufacturing of parts.
Key government interventions include:
- Tax Incentives: A duty remission scheme to encourage the use of locally manufactured parts like batteries, radiators, and brake fluids.
- Affordable Credit: Plans to raise a bond, with KES 13 billion earmarked for affordable credit to local manufacturers of auto parts.
- Duty Exemptions: Local assemblers enjoy import and excise duty exemptions for semi-knockdown kits.
“With the Automotive Policy, the automobile industry has the potential to create over 200,000 jobs in Kenya directly or indirectly,” Kinyanjui projected. He urged local assemblers to utilise more locally made parts to spur sectoral growth and technology transfer.
For Vocational Hub Kenya, this government-led initiative marks a pivotal moment. It validates the critical role of vocational skills in national development and opens vast opportunities for trainees, instructors, and industry partners. The focus on practical, market-driven training is a clear signal: the future of work in Kenya is hands-on, technical, and ripe with potential for those with the right skills.