Team Europe Kenya advances High-Quality Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) to equip Kenyan youth with digital skills

Kenya’s labour potential is exceptionally strong. With a median age of just 20.1 years, the country’s labour market is expected to welcome nearly one million young people every year. However, a growing mismatch between labour market needs and the skills provided through education and training continues to limit employment opportunities and hamper young Kenyans’ prospects for sustainable and decent and sustainable careers.

At a high-level ceremony attended by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Hon. Julius Ogamba, EBS, the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, Ms Éléonore Caroit, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Henriette Geiger, the Deputy German Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Alexander Fierley, and the French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, financing agreements totalling €46.85 million (approximately Kshs. 7.2 billion) were formally exchanged to advance cooperation on the digitalisation of TVET in Kenya.

H.E. Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, said: “Investing in digital skills is one of the most powerful investments we 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. This is Global Gateway in action - human-centred, inclusive and firmly aligned with Kenya’s national priorities.”

Ms. Éléonore Caroit, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, stated: “France is proud to stand with Kenya in building a strong, inclusive and modern TVET system. Through AFD, and alongside our European partners, we are committed to supporting Kenyan youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy. This initiative reflects the strength of European cooperation. By pooling resources and expertise, AFD, KfW and the EU are helping ensure that technical and vocational education and training in Kenya responds directly to labour market needs. Together we are investing in the future of our youth and in a strong partnership between our countries.”

Mr. Alexander Fierley, German Deputy Ambassador to Kenya: “Germany has been successfully supporting the Kenyan TVET sector for decades. With this new project, which is being implemented by KFW, we are joining forces with France and the European Union to boost high-quality technical and vocational education in Kenya by introducing a modern, digitalized technical education. This initiative will not only improve employment opportunities for Kenyan youth but also support the competitiveness of young Kenyans aspiring to pursue careers in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.”

The agreements aim to strengthen youth employability and develop skills aligned with the evolving needs of Kenya’s economy. They include:

• a €28 million (approximately Kshs. 4.3 billion) loan to the National Treasury from KfW, funded by the German Government through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
• a €10 million (approximately Kshs. 1.53 billion) grant financed by the French Government through AFD and
• an €8.85 million (approximately Kshs. 1.36 billion) grant funded by the European Union.

The financing will support the establishment of 10 Centres of Excellence in digitally intensive fields, equip up to 50 additional TVET institutions with digital tools, and provide basic digital infrastructure to other selected institutions. As a result, TVET programmes and facilities will be upgraded, national frameworks such as Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) will be further rolled out, and high-quality digital learning services will be expanded. 

In addition, scholarships targeting women and marginalised groups will be provided to ensure inclusive access to digital skills development.

With the conclusion of these financing agreements, the European partners reaffirm their commitment to work with Kenya to achieve a successful and inclusive transformation of Kenya’s TVET sector, ensuring that facilities and governance standards meet national benchmarks while leaving no one behind. On behalf of the financiers, KfW will serve as lead financier during the implementation phase.

These financing agreements provide a further impetus to the Global Gateway initiative on human-centred digitalisation and illustrate a powerful example of a #TeamEurope approach, with Germany, France and the EU working alongside the Government of Kenya. Together, they reflect a shared strategic vision and a long-standing, trust-based partnership in support of Kenya’s development priorities.

Background 

TeamEurope brings together the European Union, its Member States and their diplomatic network, financial institutions and implementing organisations, as well as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The Team Europe approach strengthens coordination, coherence and complementarities of actions to scale up European impact and provide its partners a positive offer towards a sustainable, green, digital, resilient, and inclusive future.