The Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation has strengthened technical skills training in the country after handing over newly constructed and fully equipped workshops to the University of Embu’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute.
The Sh50.6 million investment marks a significant milestone in advancing practical education and equipping young people with market-ready skills in line with Kenya’s socio-economic development agenda.
Expanding Access to Practical Skills
The new workshops are designed to support hands-on training in courses such as beauty therapy, hairdressing, barbering, mechanics and mobile phone repair. In addition to infrastructure development, the foundation has sponsored students undertaking these courses and committed to providing them with starter toolkits upon completion, enabling them to transition directly into self-employment.
This model not only enhances technical competency but also bridges the gap between training and income generation, a challenge that has long affected graduates entering a competitive job market.
Addressing Employability Gaps
Speaking during the handover, Patricia Ithau noted that the foundation’s intervention responds to longstanding structural gaps in Kenya’s education system, where heavy emphasis on academic qualifications has often sidelined practical skills development.
“Our investment is founded on the critical role that TVET institutions play in producing a skilled, future-ready workforce,” she said, adding that practical training empowers young people to start businesses and become financially independent.
The foundation is partnering with four public higher learning institutions to strengthen TVET infrastructure and learning resources, ensuring students acquire skills aligned with industry and entrepreneurship needs.
Government Welcomes Partnerships
Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, challenged universities to design programs that address grassroots community needs.
“We urge universities to move from the ivory tower to rural settings to meet community needs,” she said, welcoming collaborations that enhance transformation at the local level.
Her remarks reflect the government’s broader push to reposition TVET institutions as engines of economic empowerment, innovation, and job creation.
University Leadership Applauds Initiative
Vice Chancellor Daniel Mugendi acknowledged that underfunding has previously constrained the university’s ability to offer adequate practical training, particularly in ICT-aligned programs.
He said the new TVET Centre will not only enhance training capacity but also extend opportunities to more young people seeking industry-relevant skills.
A Step Toward a Skilled, Self-Reliant Workforce
The M-Pesa Foundation’s investment underscores the growing recognition that technical and vocational training is central to tackling youth unemployment in Kenya. By combining infrastructure, sponsorship, and startup support, the initiative provides a holistic model for sustainable skills development.
As partnerships between private foundations, universities, and government institutions expand, TVET is increasingly emerging as a powerful pathway toward entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic resilience.