Government to Equip Learners with Market-Ready Skills in Bold Education Reform
Nairobi | Monday, June 24, 2025
In a sweeping education reform aimed at tackling youth unemployment and aligning learning with national development priorities, the Kenyan government has unveiled a nationwide program to equip students with job-market-ready skills, starting from the basic education level all the way to higher learning and vocational institutions.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Nairobi, top education and labour officials emphasized that the new approach is intended to shift Kenya’s education system from exam-based learning to skills-based training, ensuring that students graduate with both academic knowledge and practical capabilities.
Focus on Skills, Not Just Certificates
The reform will prioritize competency-based training, enabling learners to acquire technical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills that match labour market demands.
“We are no longer just preparing learners to pass exams—we are preparing them to succeed in life and work,” said a senior education official during the launch. “It’s time we trained creators, innovators, and job-makers—not just job-seekers.”
The new system will emphasize:
- Technical literacy
- Digital proficiency
- Communication and critical thinking
- Hands-on problem-solving
- Entrepreneurial and self-employment skills
TVET Centres to Be Transformed
A key pillar of the reform is the revamp of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. The Ministry of Education has announced plans to modernize at least one TVET centre in every sub-county, complete with upgraded workshops, modern equipment, and partnerships with industries.
The government also plans to:
- Recruit and retrain instructors in line with current industry trends
- Expand training in priority sectors such as renewable energy, automotive mechanics, ICT, agriculture, and healthcare
- Facilitate industrial attachments for learners to gain real-world experience
- Offer certification that meets both local and international standards
Preparing Learners for Global Job Opportunities
With rising demand for Kenyan workers abroad, particularly in Europe, the Gulf, and Canada, the new education model is being tailored to serve both domestic and global labour markets.
Learners will receive internationally benchmarked qualifications, making them eligible for high-skill jobs outside Kenya. This includes the teaching of foreign languages, cross-cultural training, and soft skills essential for international careers.
“The world is opening up for Kenyan youth, and we must prepare them to compete globally with confidence and competence,” said a Labour Ministry representative.
Long-Term Economic Impact
The strategy is expected to produce widespread benefits across the economy. By 2030, the government estimates that:
- Youth unemployment could reduce by over 30%
- More than 1 million youth will be employed in technical sectors
- Local businesses will benefit from a steady stream of skilled workers
- National productivity will increase in key economic areas
In addition, the focus on entrepreneurship training is expected to result in a surge in start-ups and micro-enterprises led by youth.
Public Awareness Campaigns Underway
To support the rollout, the Ministry of Education, together with other stakeholders, has initiated a national sensitization campaign targeting parents, students, school heads, and county governments. The campaign will raise awareness of the opportunities available in technical and vocational pathways, and encourage uptake of new courses aligned with the skills agenda.
Kenya’s education system is undergoing a major transition, one that seeks to bridge the divide between learning and livelihood. By focusing on practical, in-demand skills, the government aims to ensure that every Kenyan learner has the tools they need to succeed—not just in classrooms, but in life and work.
This reform may well be remembered as a turning point in the country’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable development driven by a skilled and empowered youth population.
