Kenya’s push to modernise technical and vocational training (TVET) has taken a hit after the African Development Bank (AfDB) withdrew KSh335 million from a flagship upgrade programme, citing persistent bureaucratic delays that slowed contracting and disbursements.
The cut, detailed in the bank’s completion report, raises concerns about scholarships, equipment supply, and the sector’s readiness to meet rising demand for practical skills.
Launched in 2015 with a KSh7.2 billion commitment under the African Development Fund (ADF), the project set out to overhaul selected TVET institutions over five years, building workshops and hostels, supplying modern equipment, and strengthening staff capacity to improve youth employability.
The programme also included scholarships for needy students to widen access and align training with labour market needs.
According to the AfDB, the programme’s momentum was undermined by red tape within the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury, which slowed the processing of disbursements and delayed contract execution. As a result, the full ADF allocation of UA 41 million (approximately KSh7.2 billion) could not be utilised within the project window, prompting the bank to claw back Sh335 million that remained unspent at closure.
Despite the administrative hurdles, the programme registered notable gains. A total of 544 tutors were trained against a target of 600, strengthening instructional capacity across participating institutions. In addition, 3,000 students received scholarships, meeting the programme’s access objective and offering relief to learners from low‑income backgrounds who might otherwise have been locked out of technical training.
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However, the infrastructure component fell short of its ambition. Only 10 of the intended 33 institutions were delivered with fully equipped engineering and applied sciences workshops by the end of the project, with two more facilities still under construction at closure. The shortfall means many colleges remain under‑equipped, limiting the breadth and quality of hands‑on training available to students in critical fields.
The AfDB cautioned that without additional support and streamlined implementation, Kenya’s TVET sector risks lagging behind the skills needs of the economy. .
Sector stakeholders say the withdrawal should serve as a wake‑up call to tighten project management and accelerate decision‑making within government. With youth unemployment and skills mismatches still pressing concerns, the TVET system’s ability to deliver competent graduates hinges on predictable financing, efficient execution, and strong accountability across implementing agencies.
The completion report also highlights the importance of protecting scholarship pipelines, which have proven effective in expanding access for vulnerable learners. Ensuring continuity in student support alongside the timely delivery of workshops and equipment will be essential to maintain momentum and avoid eroding the gains made under the programme.
By Masaki Enock
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