- Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris modelled a garment designed by a NITA fashion student during the annual Skills Show.
- The showcase highlighted the creativity and technical skills of trainees in Kenya’s TVET institutions.
- Organisers said the event connects trainees with employers, investors and industry players.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris captivated guests at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Skills Show after confidently walking the runway in a striking outfit designed and tailored by one of the institution’s fashion and garment design students.
Her appearance became one of the highlights of the event, showcasing the talent emerging from Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions while demonstrating confidence in locally nurtured creativity and craftsmanship.
The annual NITA Skills Show brought together trainees, instructors, government officials, industry leaders, employers, investors and members of the public to witness practical demonstrations of skills acquired through technical and vocational training programmes.
The exhibition showcased innovations across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, automotive technology, construction, hospitality, ICT, electrical installation, beauty therapy and fashion design.
Among the standout attractions was the fashion runway, where students unveiled garments they had designed and produced during their training.
The collections reflected originality, technical precision and a growing appreciation for contemporary African fashion, with each piece demonstrating the students’ ability to blend creativity with practical production skills.
Passaris takes to the runway
Passaris took centre stage by modelling one of the students’ creations, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Her participation not only celebrated the young designer’s work but also underscored the importance of supporting home-grown talent and strengthening Kenya’s creative economy.
The colourful runway featured garments made from a variety of fabrics, patterns and styles, demonstrating the high standards being achieved by trainees in fashion and garment design.
Students also explained the inspiration behind their collections, giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate the design process, fabric selection, tailoring techniques and craftsmanship involved in producing each outfit.
Promoting skills and innovation
The exhibition highlighted the growing role of TVET institutions in producing skilled professionals capable of meeting industry demands while creating employment opportunities through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Organisers said the Skills Show provides an important platform for connecting trainees with potential employers, investors and clients.
By enabling students to exhibit their work before industry stakeholders, the event helps bridge the gap between training and the labour market.
The showcase also reinforced the government’s emphasis on technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic transformation.
Through practical skills development, TVET institutions are equipping young Kenyans with the competencies needed to secure employment, establish businesses and contribute to national development.
Fashion and garment design has increasingly become one of Kenya’s fastest-growing creative sectors, with graduates finding opportunities in clothing production, textile manufacturing, fashion entrepreneurship, costume design and international fashion markets.
Passaris’ decision to wear a student’s design elevated the profile of the exhibition and demonstrated confidence in the quality of products developed within Kenyan training institutions.
Her participation encouraged greater public appreciation of technical education while inspiring aspiring designers to pursue excellence in their craft.
As the event concluded, the fashion showcase remained one of its most memorable highlights, reflecting NITA’s commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and practical skills among Kenya’s next generation of professionals.
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The Skills Show once again illustrated that technical education is not only producing competent artisans and technicians but also shaping creative innovators capable of competing on both local and global stages.
By Hillary Muhalya
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