Kenya Launches Major Youth Training Initiative Backed by AfDB to Boost Jobs

Kenya has taken a significant step toward empowering its youth and addressing the country’s unemployment challenges with the launch of a new, comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s dynamic economic environment. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Entrepreneurship Project, unveiled in Nairobi on April 29, is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Education and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

This project comes at a critical time as Kenya’s youth unemployment remains a pressing concern. By enhancing technical and vocational education and supporting entrepreneurship, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on limited formal employment opportunities and encourage self-employment. It is designed not only to create jobs but also to contribute to the country’s broader socio-economic development goals.

A Strategic Partnership to Empower Youth

During the launch ceremony, Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, emphasized the strategic vision behind the project.

“We aim to enhance youth employability, strengthen the linkage between TVET institutions and industry, and support smooth transitions from training to meaningful employment. This project reflects our collective commitment to inclusive development that delivers real impact for our youth,” she stated.

The initiative has a bold target: to place at least 1,200 graduates from technical and vocational training or entrepreneurship programs into gainful employment. The approach involves a dual focus—providing practical skills training while building stronger connections between graduates and the private sector to facilitate job placements.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Aggrey Ndombi, Senior Education Economist at AfDB and co-task manager for the project, underscored the Bank’s broader vision for youth empowerment through education.

“We are supporting this project in Kenya to align vocational and technical training with market demands to improve the quality and employability of technical and vocational education,” he explained.

Ndombi noted that the AfDB views technical and vocational training as a cornerstone for youth skills development and sees this project as complementary to national strategies that prioritize job creation and economic growth.

Aligning Training With Market Demands

One of the unique aspects of the project is its close collaboration with industry players to ensure that the training provided aligns with current and emerging market needs. KEPSA, the country’s foremost private sector umbrella body, is taking a lead role in implementation.

Carole Kariuki, CEO of KEPSA, stressed the need for a forward-thinking approach to youth development.

“I see Africa’s growing youth population not as a burden, but as a powerful demographic advantage. We must be intentional about equipping our young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial competencies, and digital literacy,” she said.

Kariuki highlighted that these competencies are essential not just for traditional job markets but also for new economic frontiers such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and digital freelancing. She emphasized the urgency of closing the gap between education and employment outcomes.

Supporting Industrialization and Economic Transformation

The project aligns seamlessly with Kenya’s broader policy goals, including its push for industrialization and the creation of a skilled workforce capable of supporting economic transformation. The TVET Entrepreneurship Project supports the government’s job creation and manufacturing agenda by ensuring that training institutions are producing graduates who can meet real industry demands.

The African Development Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, which finances the initiative, is a grant facility focused on nurturing African entrepreneurship and promoting youth job creation. It provides financial support and skills training to youth-led start-ups, micro, small, and medium enterprises, while also aiding countries in implementing policy reforms that foster a supportive environment for job creation.

A Vision for Inclusive Development

Ultimately, the TVET Entrepreneurship Project is more than a skills training program—it is a strategic investment in Kenya’s future. By fostering partnerships between education providers, government, and industry, and by empowering young people to take charge of their economic futures, the initiative promises to create sustainable pathways out of poverty and unemployment.

With a well-structured approach, Kenya hopes this project will serve as a model for other African nations looking to harness the energy and potential of their youth to drive development.