Youth urged to embrace TVET and AI skills to remain competitive

As industries across Kenya rapidly adopt automation and digital technologies, education sector and industry leaders are urging the country’s youth to combine technical training with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills to remain competitive.

Speaking at the Skill-Up Africa Conference 2025 in Nairobi, panellists at the session titled “Bridging the Gap: Aligning Vocational Skills Training with Future Industry Needs”, highlighted the ongoing strong collaboration between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and the private sector.

While making his contribution, the TVET National Coordinator at GIZ Kenya Gideon Murenga, underscored the growing collaboration between the private sector and training institutions in preparing youth for the modern job market.

“We are seeing a powerful shift in how we prepare young people for work. The private sector is stepping up,” he said. “They are not just hiring talent. They are helping shape it. These companies have the equipment and technology needed to train our youth for today’s demands and the future.”

Murenga used the opportunity to call on more companies to partner with TVET institutions, stressing the need for strategic engagement in skilling youth.

“Firms won’t sit through week-long workshops,” he noted. “But if we meet them where they are, with clear objectives, they will come on board. They have the resources, and they need skilled workers.”

Notably, Kenya’s partnership with Germany and Finland under the Youth Employment and Vocational Training Programme, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has been instrumental in linking learning to labour market needs. Through the dual training model, students learn in both classrooms and workplaces, gaining real-world experience while building relevant skills.

Over 5,000 students are currently enrolled in 93 vocations across more than 100 TVET institutions, in partnership with 1,000 companies across Kenya. This hands-on model is already improving employability and bridging the youth skills gap.

Chief Principal at Kiambu National Polytechnic, Mr Sammy Waititu, emphasised that staying relevant in today’s job market requires continuous learning for both students and trainers.

“Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom,” he said. “To keep pace with industry, our trainers must stay updated on new technologies and practices. At Kiambu, we encourage our trainers to identify skill gaps and spend time in industry settings. We support them with transport and lunch so nothing stands in their way. This way, they bring fresh, practical knowledge back to the classroom, making learning more relevant and impactful for our students.”

Perhaps the most compelling voice was that of Samuel Musembi, a graduate of the dual training model, currently employed as an Engineer Clerk at Githunguri Dairy. Having trained at both a TVET institution and on the job, he shared how the dual model shaped his confidence and employability.

“Joining a TVET institution was the best decision I made,” he said. “The training I received matched exactly what the company needed. I was not just learning theory. I was doing the job, gaining real skills every day.”

He noted that working closely with both the training institution and company gave him a strong advantage. “By the time I finished my course, the company already knew my strengths. That opened the door to a job.”

Speaking at the Skill Up Africa Conference, Head of Human Resources at Wandi Packaging Limited, Ms Mueni Ngui, shared how the company was playing its part in mentoring TVET trainees and offering them hands-on experience. Ngui encouraged more young people to take advantage of the training opportunities, adding, “We are ready to support them, but they must also show up and be willing to learn.”

The forum’s clarion call was clear. To close the skills gap, tackle youth unemployment, and unlock economic growth, Kenya must invest in TVET,  and the youth must embrace digital and AI skills to stay ahead.