Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) institutions were celebrated on Thursday for their outstanding
contribution to skills development, innovation, and inclusion during the Dual
TVET Mid-Term Project Review and Recognition Gala held in Nairobi.
The event recognised institutions that have excelled in
implementing the Dual Training model, an approach that combines classroom
learning with structured, hands-on industry experience, ensuring trainees are
better prepared for the world of work.
More than 14 TVET institutions were honoured for excellence
in quality dual training, industry collaboration, mentorship, and
sustainability.
Taita Taveta National Polytechnic and Kiambu National
Polytechnic emerged as the Overall Dual TVET Champions, celebrated for their
leadership in implementing dual training and fostering strong industry
linkages.
In a demonstration of progress toward inclusion, Karen
Technical Training Institute for the Deaf received the Disability Inclusion in
Dual TVET Award, while Machakos Technical Training Institute for the Blind was
honoured with the Women in STEM Award for promoting gender equality in science
and technology fields.
Institutions integrating environmental sustainability into
their operations also received recognition.
Weru Technical and Vocational College and Kiambu National
Polytechnic jointly received the Green TVET Champion Award, acknowledging their
commitment to promoting eco-friendly training practices and advancing Kenya’s
green transition agenda.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal
Secretary in the State Department for TVET, applauded the winners and lauded
the growing collaboration between training institutions and industries.
“Dual TVET is more than a training model — it is a bridge
from potential to purpose, from the classroom to the career,” said Dr. Muoria.
“This approach
transforms learning into livelihood and trainees into trusted professionals. It
is turning our youth into job creators, not job seekers, and proving that when
education meets industry, Kenya’s future is unstoppable.”
The Dual TVET model forms part of the ‘Promotion of Youth
Employment and Vocational Training’ Programme, jointly funded by the
Governments of Finland and Germany, and implemented 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 in Nairobi, commended Kenya’s progress in embedding the dual
training system into its vocational education framework.
“When I recently met young plumbing trainees at PC Kinyanjui
Technical Training Institute, I saw Dual Training in action — young people
learning by doing, with confidence and pride,” she said.
“The progress is visible — stronger partnerships between
TVET institutions and companies, confident trainees, and industries ready to
invest in young talent.”
Matts Wuerlander, Counsellor for Skills Development and Job
Creation at the Embassy of Finland, also praised the collaboration between
institutions and industry.
“Finland is proud to be part of Kenya’s remarkable Dual
Training journey,” he said. “Together, we have exceeded our programme targets
and shown what true partnership can achieve — empowering young people with
practical, employable skills.”
Several companies were also feted for their role in
advancing skills development through industry-based training.
Among those recognised were Gold Crown EPZ, Stantech Motors,
Marina English Point Hotel & Spa, and Diamonds Dream of Africa, honoured
for excellence in mentorship, inclusivity, and sustainable business practices.
The gala underscored Kenya’s steady progress in aligning
education with market needs through the Dual TVET model.
With continued support from development partners, the
Ministry of Education aims to scale up dual training nationwide, ensuring that
every young Kenyan has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive.
