Dual vocational training model in Kenya

Each year, one million young people flood the Kenyan labour market, and most do not find a job. Why is this so? Kenya’s vocational education system is completely dissociated from the needs of the private sector. This means that schools have too few qualified teachers, use outdated teaching curricula, and require facilities that are sorely lacking. Moreover, the training courses offered meet neither the qualitative nor quantitative needs of the private sector

Swisscontact, Hilti and Geberit share a common vision to change this. In collaboration with local companies and vocational institutions, we intend to help young people in Kenya gain access to a practical education. The objective is to help young Kenyans find gainful employment in the construction sector, earning higher incomes and thus creating a positive outlook for their lives. At the same time, employers benefit from a better-trained and more productive labour force.

The partnership with Hilti and Geberit facilitates the sale of high-quality products and tools, both during the training and once these technicians are hired by Kenyan businesses. The companies also benefit, because this enhances their brand recognition, and over the medium term their normal sales channels will benefit as well.

The project has been ongoing since 2022 and has already chalked up some impressive successes: 24 Kenyan businesses were brought on board, and already 100 trainee apprentices have started their vocational education. An integrated educational curriculum links classroom theory with practical courses and a workplace-based training. This dual, apprenticeship-based training will be paid for by 70 companies who use this educational model as the main source for developing their future employees.