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France, Germany launch Sh7.2 billion plan to digitalise TVET institutions
A mechanical engineering student operates a lathe machine during a practical session at Kisumu National Polytechnic.
The French and German governments have launched a Sh7.2 billion (€46.85 million) initiative programme to support the modernisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The fund was launched on Friday, barely two months after the Kenyan government entered a partnership agreement with the EU to transform TVET institutions, equipping young people with skills aligned to the needs of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The signing ceremony took place at a high-level meeting that was attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, Ms Éléonore Caroit, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Henriette Geiger, among other dignitaries.
During the signing process, CS Ogamba stated that the Kenyan government is committed to strengthening TVET going forward.
“This commitment is borne out of the recognition that TVET is a critical enabler in the provision of market-relevant skills required to drive job creation in the key priority sectors of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” CS Ogamba said.
The CS also said that the partnership would be key in unlocking the potential of TVET institutions and equipping learners with the modern transformation in technology and the disruption of the AI.
"In an era of rapid technological change, where the future of work is increasingly digital, we must urgently equip TVET graduates with cutting-edge competencies in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Generative AI and other emerging technologies.”
Minister Caroit announced that the French government under President Emmanuel Macron is committed to supporting Kenyan youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy.
“France is proud to stand with Kenya in building a strong, inclusive and modern TVET system. This initiative reflects the strength of European cooperation,” she said.
The Minister stated that the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), together with the German Government through KfW Development Bank, and the EU were working together to ensure that technical and vocational education and training in Kenya respond directly to labour market needs.
“Together we are investing in the future of our youth and in a strong partnership between our countries.”
EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger stated that investing in digital skills was one of the most powerful investments that they can make in people and in the future.
“Through this partnership, the European Union and its Member States are supporting Kenya to modernise its TVET system, harness digitalisation and ensure that young people are equipped with skills that match the realities of today’s and tomorrow’s digital economy.”
Earlier on during the day, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei accompanied French Minister Delegate for Francophonie in a joint lecture at the University of Nairobi where they engage with the students on diplomacy and international partnerships.
“Africa and France will gather here in Nairobi on May 11, and 12, to have a conversation in terms of how to tell the story going in to the future, the story of their partnership,” the PS said.
The French Minister announced that Kenya was one of the countries in the African continent that deepened its relationship with the French government for years.
She also announced that the Africa Forward Summit which is scheduled for May this year in Nairobi will bring together the top leaders including President Macron and President William Ruto among others.
To date, the French government has supported 150 projects in Kenya totaling to billions of money across different sectors.
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