NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 9 – Kenya’s industries are taking the lead in shaping the country’s next generation of skilled professionals.
Through close partnerships with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, companies across multiple sectors are transforming workplaces into vibrant training grounds.
This spirit of collaboration was celebrated at the Dual TVET Mid-Term Project Review and Recognition Gala held in Nairobi, where top-performing industries were feted for their commitment to developing youth talent through the Dual Training approach.
The gala highlighted how Kenya’s private sector is driving innovation in technical training, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
Over a dozen companies received top honours for their exceptional contribution to skills development.
Among the industry winners, Gold Crown EPZ and Krones LCS Center East Africa received the Employer of the Year Award for going beyond training to offer employment opportunities to Dual TVET graduates.
Stantech Motors and Marina English Point Hotel & Spa were honoured as Dual TVET Industry Champions, recognized for delivering high-quality, structured training and maintaining strong mentorship programmes.
In the Green Industry Champion category, Diamonds Dream of Africa was celebrated for embedding sustainable, eco-friendly practices within its operations and promoting environmental awareness among trainees.
Public sector institutions also shone at the gala. Huduma Kenya Secretariat was recognized as a Disability Inclusion Industry Partner for creating accessible training spaces for trainees with disabilities. Kenya Meat Commission received the Trainee Enrolment Excellence Award for offering numerous hands-on placements to Dual TVET trainees.
New Kenya Cooperative Creameries received the Women in STEM Industry Partner Award for enrolling and supporting the highest number of female trainees in technical fields – a major stride in gender inclusion.
Their recognition underscores the public sector’s growing role in advancing the Dual Training and ensuring that skills development remains inclusive, practical, and aligned with Kenya’s development goals.
Recognising the backbone of industry collaboration, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and Federation of Kenya Employers were honoured as Business Champions for mobilising placement opportunities and strengthening institutional-industry partnerships.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET, congratulated the winners and commended the growing synergy between TVET institutions and industries.
“This approach turns learning into livelihood and trainees into trusted professionals. It is transforming our youth into job creators, not job seekers and proving that when education meets industry, Kenya’s future is unstoppable.”
The Dual TVET model is implemented under the ‘Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training’ Programme, jointly funded by the Governments of Finland and Germany. The initiative is spearheaded by the State Department for TVET, with technical support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Friederike Hemker, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, praised the progress Kenya has made in embedding dual training within its TVET system.
“The progress in dual training in Kenya is visible – stronger partnerships between TVET institutions and companies, confident trainees, and industries ready to invest in young talent. Your efforts are driving real change and positioning Kenya as a regional leader in skills development and innovation.”
On his part, Matts Wuerlander, Counsellor for Skills Development and Job Creation at the Embassy of Finland, lauded the TVETs and industries for strong collaborations.
“Finland is proud to be part of Kenya’s remarkable Dual Training journey. Together, we have exceeded our programme targets and demonstrated what true collaboration can achieve – partnerships that deliver results and empower young people with practical, employable skills.” he said.
The gala also celebrated TVET institutions for their outstanding role in implementing the Dual Training. Taita Taveta National Polytechnic and Kiambu National Polytechnic emerged as the Overall Dual TVET Champions, recognized for excellence in dual training and strong industry linkages.
The recognition highlights the vital role that TVET institutions and industries play in producing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the country’s development goals.
