By Eddah Waithaka
Kenya today unveiled a new training curriculum that hands the reins to the private sector, placing employers at the centre of skills development in a radical push to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Officials launched the Dual Apprenticeship Curriculum for Plumbing and Electrical trades at the inaugural Youth Skills Development Forum (YSDF) in Nairobi.
The new model, which is private sector-led, flips traditional education on its head by placing 75% of training directly in the workplace, with only 25% taking place in a classroom.
Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime officiated the launch, declaring the move a direct response to the chronic skills gap that leaves many young graduates jobless.
“For many years, we have trained young people who graduate with certificates but struggle to secure employment because they lack practical exposure,” said PS Mwadime.
“This new model ensures the private sector is actively involved in training so that learners graduate with the skills and experience that employers actually require.”
A Solution to the Skills Mismatch
With nearly 75% of Kenya’s population under 35, the country faces a dual crisis: high youth unemployment and employers who cannot find staff with the right practical skills.
The new curriculum, developed in collaboration with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), aims to solve this by integrating employers directly into the education process.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training Principal Secretary Esther Muoria endorsed the initiative, emphasizing its role in national development.
“This partnership with the private sector will ensure that TVET graduates are not just academically qualified but also job-ready,” said PS Muoria.
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“Our goal is to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting Kenya’s industrialisation and economic transformation.”
The Swiss Model
The curriculum draws direct inspiration from Switzerland’s renowned dual vocational training system. Swiss Ambassador to Kenya Mirko Giulietti highlighted the proven success of this employer-driven approach.
“The Swiss dual training system has proven that when businesses actively participate in training, young people transition more easily into employment,” said Ambassador Giulietti.
“We are pleased to support Kenya in localising this model to strengthen skills development and economic growth.”
From Pilot to National Scale
The new national curriculum builds on the success of PropelA, a youth skills development initiative run by Swisscontact.
First piloted in 2022 at Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute, the programme allowed apprentices in electrical installation and plumbing to learn directly on the job while receiving a stipend from participating companies.
Sharon Mosin, Swisscontact’s Country Director in Kenya, explained how the pilot shaped the national policy. “PropelA is about propelling young people into dignified and sustainable employment while ensuring businesses play a leading role in developing the workforce they need,” said Mosin.
“By scaling up this model, we are helping training institutions deliver programmes that are directly aligned with market demand.”
The launch at the YSDF brought together government leaders, industry captains, and development partners, all focused on accelerating private sector-led workforce development to secure Kenya’s economic future.
