As Kenya works towards achieving Vision 2030, its blueprint for long-term development, one area that has garnered significant attention is youth empowerment through vocational training. With a youthful population comprising approximately 75%, the country’s future prosperity hinges on harnessing the potential of its young people. In 2023, vocational education and training (VET) emerged as a transformative tool, equipping young Kenyans with the skills needed to thrive in the modern labour market.
The Importance of Youth Empowerment in Kenya
Kenya’s youth, defined as those between 18 and 35 years old, form the backbone of its economy. However, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, with an estimated 40% either unemployed or underemployed, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This translates to over 5 million young people struggling to secure meaningful work, many lacking the formal education and skills required in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Vocational education has been identified as a key solution, offering a practical pathway for youth to gain hands-on skills aligned with market needs. The 2023 Kenya Youth Employment Challenge Report emphasised that youth empowerment through vocational skills development is not merely about job creation but also about fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. As President William Ruto stated, “The future of our country depends on how well we equip our youth with the tools they need to create opportunities for themselves and others.”
The Growth of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Kenya
Kenya has made considerable strides in expanding vocational training programmes. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, has invested significantly in vocational training centres (VTCs) across the country. By 2023, Kenya had over 1,300 VTCs, up from 700 in 2016, with a target of reaching 1,500 by 2025.
The government has also implemented several initiatives to increase access to vocational training. The National Vocational and Technical Training Act of 2019, fully operational by 2023, enhanced the regulatory framework for VET institutions, ensuring quality assurance and accreditation standards. Furthermore, the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system focuses on developing skills tailored to industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
According to the 2023 Kenya VET Sector Report, enrolment in VTCs rose by 25% between 2021 and 2023, with over 500,000 students currently enrolled. This growth can be attributed to subsidised tuition fees and government scholarships, which have made vocational education more accessible to students from low-income households.
Impact on Youth Employment
The impact of vocational training on youth employment in Kenya has been significant. According to the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutes (KATTI), 65% of VET graduates secure employment within six months of completing their courses, a marked improvement from the 40% employment rate in 2015. This rise in employment is directly linked to the demand for skilled labour in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, ICT, and hospitality—industries identified as critical drivers of economic growth under Kenya’s Big Four Agenda.
For example, the construction sector has an acute need for skilled electricians, plumbers, and masons. The 2023 National Construction Authority Report highlighted a shortfall of 100,000 trained construction workers, a gap vocational training is addressing. Similarly, the ICT sector, which has seen rapid growth, requires professionals skilled in software development, data analytics, and network administration. Vocational programmes targeting these sectors report some of the highest employment rates, with over 70% of graduates finding work in their field of study.
One inspiring success story is Margaret Wambui, a 23-year-old from Nairobi’s Mathare slums. After training as a mobile phone repair technician at a VTC, she started her own business in 2022. Within a year, her business had grown to employ three others from her community. “Vocational training gave me the skills I needed to be independent. Now, I’m not just earning a living, but I’m also helping others find work,” she shared in an interview with the Kenya Youth Employment Initiative.
Challenges Facing Vocational Training in Kenya
Despite this progress, vocational training in Kenya still faces several challenges. One primary issue is the stigma associated with vocational education. Many young people and their families still perceive university education as the only path to success, leading to lower enrolment in vocational programmes, particularly among high-performing students. This societal bias has contributed to the perception of vocational training as a “second-best” option, hindering the sector’s growth.
Additionally, there are disparities in the quality of training offered by different VTCs. While some institutions boast modern equipment and highly qualified instructors, others remain underfunded and lack essential resources. The 2023 Kenya Education Sector Review noted that 30% of VTCs still operate with outdated curricula, misaligned with current industry demands, leaving graduates inadequately prepared for the workforce.
Moreover, while government initiatives have improved access to VET, many rural areas still lack sufficient vocational training centres, limiting opportunities for young people in regions such as Turkana, Wajir, and Lamu. Geographical accessibility remains a significant challenge, particularly for marginalised communities.
Opportunities for Enhancing Vocational Training
To address these challenges, Kenya is focusing on several key strategies to enhance vocational training and empower its youth. Firstly, the government is integrating VET into the national education system at an earlier stage. The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), introduced in 2017, allows young learners to explore vocational skills from primary school, helping to shift perceptions and encourage more students to consider vocational training as a viable career path.
Secondly, partnerships with the private sector are being strengthened to ensure vocational programmes align with industry needs. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has played a pivotal role in developing apprenticeship and internship programmes, allowing VET students to gain practical experience while still in training. KEPSA reports a 20% increase in productivity in companies that have partnered with VET institutions, due to the availability of skilled workers.
International organisations also support Kenya’s vocational training efforts. UNESCO has provided technical assistance in developing a national qualifications framework for VET, while the African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed $150 million to support the expansion of vocational training in rural areas.
A Promising Future for Kenyan Youth
As Kenya continues to invest in vocational skills training, the future looks promising for its young population. The progress made in 2023 demonstrates that vocational education is a powerful tool for tackling youth unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth. However, overcoming the challenges of stigma, quality disparities, and geographical access is crucial to realising the full potential of vocational training.
As Amina Mohamed, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, aptly put it: “Vocational training is not just about providing jobs—it’s about empowering young people to take control of their futures.” By equipping the next generation with the skills they need to succeed, Kenya is not only building a skilled workforce but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.
With continued support from the government, private sector, and international partners, vocational training has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Kenyan youth, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.
