A nationwide push to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a credible pathway to employment is yielding strong results, with new data showing dramatic enrollment increases across several counties. The initiative — led by Zizi Afrique Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s State Department for TVET — has been running under the banner #FormNiTVET, using community roadshows, media outreach, and open-day campaigns to encourage youth to pursue technical skills. Officials say the intensified outreach has helped shift long-held perceptions that vocational training is a last resort, instead highlighting its growing relevance in Kenya’s evolving job market.
The multi-county campaign was rolled out in Bungoma, Kakamega, West Pokot, Kilifi, Baringo, and Turkana, where institutions were revisited months after the strategy launch to assess impact. Several TVETs reported enrollment jumps of over 100 percent, with centres such as Mufule VTC in Bungoma and Mariakani VTC in Kilifi recording increases of up to 160 percent. According to Zizi Afrique staff involved in the monitoring, the surge was driven by a combination of heightened awareness, rising demand for hands-on skills, and expanded scholarship opportunities that eased financial barriers. However, the assessments also revealed concerns: many institutions are struggling with inadequate classrooms, limited training equipment, and a shortage of qualified instructors needed to meet the growing learner numbers. Stakeholders noted that unless infrastructure and staffing gaps are addressed, the momentum generated could stall.
Despite the challenges, education stakeholders and county governments have lauded the campaign for transforming attitudes toward vocational careers and opening doors for young people in regions with limited employment options. The Ministry of Education says the next phase will focus on strengthening collaborations between TVETs and local industries to boost relevance and job placement, including internships and apprenticeships tailored to regional labour needs. Experts argue that sustained investment — from updated tools and workshops to instructor training — will be critical in converting rising enrollment into real economic opportunities. As the #FormNiTVET campaign gains traction nationwide, supporters believe Kenya is taking an important step toward equipping its youth with practical skills that can drive inclusive growth and long-term economic empowerment.