This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
Kenya's economy has long been driven by the pursuit of white-collar jobs, but a shift is underway. The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector is emerging as a key driver of employment and economic growth.
According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 66% of employment in sub-Saharan Africa is in the informal sector. In Kenya, the informal sector has created 843,000 new jobs in 2019, while the formal sector created 61,800 jobs, as reported by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
TVET programs are equipping students with practical skills that enable them to earn a decent living through productive and dignified work. Companies like Safaricom, GIZ, and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers are partnering with TVET institutions to provide industry knowledge and availing internship and job opportunities to TVET graduates.
Kenya Breweries Limited's Heshima program is an entrepreneurship and vocational training program targeting youth and women who are at risk of falling prey to illicit brew consumption and production. The program equips students with practical skills that enable them to earn a decent living through productive and dignified work.
TVET offers the opportunity for the youth to leverage on their talents and capabilities, utilizing them to improve their standards of living, and provide services to their communities. Innovations by TVET students and graduates will go a long way in providing solutions necessary for development.
It is our collective responsibility as a society to change our mindset towards blue-collar jobs. Corporates have a role to play too in supporting the TVET sector through facilitating training, sponsoring programs, offering research grants, partnering with the TVET institutions to provide industry knowledge and availing internship and job opportunities to TVET graduates.
Indeed, our youth possess immense talent and energy that can be pressed into service to promote livelihoods and grow the economy. TVET offers the opportunity, let's grab it together and secure the days ahead of us.
