Gideon Murenga

The Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), today addressed stakeholders during the High-Level Public–Private Dialogue on Skills, Jobs and Competitiveness in Kenya’s Coast Region, organized by GIZ Kenya, where she reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to positioning TVET as a direct pathway to employment, enterprise development and national competitiveness. The dialogue focused on strengthening linkages between training and industry opportunities within the blue economy, tourism, logistics, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. The PS noted that the ongoing implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) continues to enhance practical skills development, improve industry relevance and support the continuous review of curricula to align with evolving labour market needs. She emphasized that the success of training must ultimately be reflected in employment creation, enterprise growth, productivity and production. Through CBET and the Dual TVET training model, the sector is expanding work-based learning, strengthening industry participation and enhancing practical competence among trainees. The PS commended GIZ Kenya for convening the dialogue and for supporting initiatives that promote skills development, youth employability and stronger collaboration between training institutions and industry. She also appreciated industry partners for their continued collaboration and called for deeper engagement with TVET institutions through curriculum support, workplace placement, mentorship, co-training and the productive utilization of modern training equipment. She underscored that the desired outcome remains clear: developing a skilled workforce connected to jobs, enterprises and sustainable opportunities that improve livelihoods and expand access to decent work for young people across the country.

Addressing stakeholders during the High-Level Public–Private Dialogue on Skills, Jobs and Competitiveness in Kenya’s Coast Region, organized by GIZ, I reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to positioning TVET as a direct pathway to jobs, enterprise and national competitiveness. The dialogue examined how TVET is progressively connecting young people to real work opportunities in the blue economy, tourism, logistics, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. I noted that progress under Competency-Based Education and Training has strengthened practical training, improved industry relevance and created a more flexible curriculum that can be developed, reviewed and updated in line with labour market demands. I emphasized that training must be measured by outcomes: employment, enterprise, productivity and production. Through Competency-Based Education and Training and the Dual TVET model, the sector is strengthening work-based training, industry participation and practical competence. I commend GIZ for convening this important dialogue and for demonstrating tangible development partner collaboration that supports skills development, youth employability and stronger industry linkages. I also appreciated industry for the collaborations so far and called for deeper partnerships with TVET institutions through curriculum support, workplace placement, mentorship, co-training and productive use of modern training equipment. The outcome must be clear: skilled youth connected to jobs, enterprises and opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and expand pathways to decent work.

This morning, I engaged the GIZ Steering Committee for the Promotion of Youth Employment and TVET Project, where progress on dual training was reviewed. Since its introduction in 2019, dual training has grown from 47 trainees to over 14,000, demonstrating its relevance in aligning institutional training with industry needs. I appreciate the Committee, BMOs and industry partners for supporting this growth and called for deeper collaboration in developing the Dual TVET Policy, strengthening quality implementation, adhering to SOPs and ensuring training plans are properly developed. Promotion of gender and training of persons who are differently abled have also been part of the key achievements, reinforcing equity and inclusivity within TVET. The key outcome is clear: training must be deliberately focused on results by ensuring that skills acquired translate into employment, entrepreneurship and productive work. Going forward, priority will be placed on strengthening industry-based certification, supporting scalability, promoting youth employability and encouraging more young people to venture into technical fields as informed by industry.

Visited Kiambu Polytechnic this afternoon with HE Reem Alabali Radovan. 🇩🇪 dev coop supported construction of new buildings and procurement of tools/ machinery. Great interaction with students leaving for Bavaria very soon to work in hospitality sector 👍👍🏾.

Dual tvet week

Under Viet Nam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Cao Thang Technical College shows how a long-established public TVET institution keeps pace with industry. A century-long legacy and enrolment of over 10,000 trainees across electronics, informatics, mechanical, automotive and refrigeration anchor programmes shaped by Industry Advisory Boards, aligned to labour market demand in a way that resonates with Kenya’s CBET and dual training direction. Training runs on a 50:50 theory–practical model, backed by enterprise participation through equipment support, apprenticeships, competitions and scholarships. Trainees are exposed to real production standards quality, precision and finishing resulting in graduates who transition directly into work. Internationally aligned certification, continuous trainer upskilling and diversified income streams sustain quality with limited reliance on government support pointing to a model where institutions are not just training centres, but active players in the skills economy. Strengthening industry integration, practical training and globally aligned certification will anchor a competitive and future-ready TVET system firmly positioning Kenya to deliver skills that translate into productivity, employment and global opportunity. @TVET_MoE

I led the Kenyan TVET delegation on a visit to HT Ocean Group in Ho Chi Minh City, where we gained practical insight into how their training and migration consultancy connects Vietnamese youth to opportunities to study, work, travel and settle abroad. The visit extended to their partner TVET institution, Saigon College of Technology, where training is designed with a defined destination: employment aligned to global labour mobility. Through close links with Global markets such as German industries, HT Ocean identifies labour needs upfront and through the College, works backwards to train and prepare trainees to meet the requirements. This includes structured technical training alongside German language skills, ensuring graduates are ready not just to qualify, but to work and integrate in the industry. Certification is also aligned to German recognition standards, enabling smooth entry into employment. This reinforces Kenya's direction of strengthening local and global industry linkages and incorporating foreign language training, with a sharp focus on training that leads to real jobs, global competitiveness and expanded opportunities for the youth.

Ly Tu Trong College in Ho Chi Minh City hosts the KONE Experience Center & Academy, demonstrating a practical model where industry is embedded within a TVET institution to deliver training aligned to real workplace demands. Training is individualized through diagnostic assessment. Industry drives delivery, assessment and certification giving the trainees who go through the system a competitive advantage in the labour market. The model is sustained through shared facilities, industry-grade equipment, structured internships and a direct pathway into employment, guided by continuous industry feedback and skills demand. Kenya’s gap is no longer infrastructure—it is integration. The next step bringing industry into TVET institutions as co-producers of skills, shaping training, validating competence and aligning outcomes to real demand.

This morning, I had an engagement with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Ho Chi Minh City, which underscored a compelling principle: skills development delivers strongest outcomes when industry takes the lead. In Vietnam, industry is not a bystander—it co-designs training, develops occupational standards, finances workforce development and provides real-time skills intelligence. Government enables, Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions deliver, but industry anchors relevance. Through strong coordination and enterprise-based training, skills imparted in VETs are tightly aligned to labour market demand, closing critical gaps. This approach directly supports Kenya’s TVET reforms in strengthening industry linkages, advancing dual training and aligning CBET to market needs. It confirms that when training is treated as an investment and industry is a co-owner, skills drive productivity, jobs and economic growth.

We had a successful industry-TVET institutions engament for Western Kenya Region in Kisumu. We are committed to industrializing Kenya. Dual TVET is the solution

Today, I had the pleasure of officially opening the induction workshop for the new Board members of PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute. The workshop provided an important platform to align the Board with the national TVET reform and transformation agenda and to set clear expectations for leadership and governance. During the session, I emphasized the critical role of good governance, accountability and transparency in ensuring the Institute’s effectiveness and sustainability. I highlighted the importance of practical, industry-driven training anchored on real projects and promoted a ‘make before you buy’ culture to enhance innovation, skills development and self-reliance among learners. I encouraged solarization, water harvesting and efficient procurement, while stressing the importance of fostering private sector partnerships and attracting investment to make the institution self-sustaining. I concluded by reminding the Board that greening TVET is not optional and that their mandate is to guide PC Kinyanjui TTI toward becoming a resilient, well-governed institution that produces skilled graduates and contributes to Kenya’s national development.

Today we had a serious engagement with industry partners, TVET institutions and TVET trainees. We had a deep discussion on implementation of Dual training. Kenya is headed the right direction in skills development for industrialization

Today, Rwanda TVET Board, in partnership with the MeOut Group through the EU-funded PRO S Initiative (Promoting Sustainability and Innovation in Agriculture TVET through Cross Sectoral Cooperation Project), opened the Africa Europe Skills Forum in Kigali. The meeting was officiated by @pgatabazi Chief Technical Advisor @Rwanda_Edu .

@moneyacademyKE This proposal is well-intentioned but ill-advised in its current form. A phased approach,starting from current levels and gradually reducing to 20% over 3 years (e.g ) would be more practical, allowing technology transfer and the deliberate nurturing of local talent.

A new Bill has been proposed in Parliament that seeks to limit foreign staff in multinational firms to 20% and ensure that at least 80% of all jobs, including top management, go to Kenyans

This afternoon, I presided over the official launch of the Dual Training Policy at the Kiambu National Polytechnic. The launch marked the formal commencement of this transformative policy, which seeks to bridge the gap between education and training, and the world of work. By requiring that trainees learn both in their institutions and within industry, the policy aims to ensure that they are adequately prepared and ready for the job market. I was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, and the event was graced by the Ambassador of Finland to Kenya, Her Excellency Riina-Riikka Heikka.

Today, I joined our partners and stakeholders at the final seminar of the Kenyan Finnish TVET School Partnership, where we celebrated the tremendous progress achieved through our collaboration with Finland and GIZ. This partnership has strengthened trainer capacity, expanded Dual Training and improved curriculum delivery across our TVET institutions. I expressed my deep appreciation to our development partners for their leadership, consistency and innovation in supporting Kenya’s TVET transformation. The impact is very clear; from increased enrolment in dual training programmes to the upskilling of thousands of trainers and the adoption of modern, industry-aligned teaching methods that are elevating the quality of training nationwide. I urged our principals and trainers to follow the path that our development partners have shown us. Their example provides a clear roadmap for excellence. Let us embrace these standards and innovations so we can build a globally competitive, industry-responsive TVET ecosystem that empowers every learner. #finland #GIZKenya #TVETKenya

Dual Training is transformative approach that bridges classroom learning with real world industry experience. As TVET, we have redefined the future of skills by ensuring that trainees learn not only what to do, but how to do it within actual workplaces. This collaboration with industry partners is building a workforce that is competent, confident and globally competitive. Dual Training is no longer an idea it is happening in institutions shaping the next generation of innovators. #DualTraining #TVETKenya #skills #kiambunationalpolytechnic

Excellent visit today to Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf! Over 120 students now enrolled in #dualtvet courses, with great feedback from companies. Inspiring proof that dual training can open doors for students with disabilities. 👏