Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has launched the Dual Training Policy at the Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP), a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace experience.
Speaking during the launch, Ogamba said the policy represents a transformative shift in Kenya’s education and skills development approach, aligning training with industry demands and providing a pathway for young people to gain both knowledge and practical experience.
“We gather for the launch of the TVET Dual Training Policy, a policy that speaks directly to the hopes of our young people and the promises we have made to future generations,” said Ogamba. “Learning thrives where theory meets practice, classrooms meet workplaces, and young people gain experience and confidence that lead to meaningful employment.”
Ogamba affirmed the government’s commitment to equipping youth with the skills and confidence necessary for dignified work, noting that education reforms, including the competency-based education and training (CBET) model, are designed to strengthen practical learning without compromising free and compulsory basic education.
He reiterated that the government had not revised any boarding fees for learners at any level, dismissing reports to the contrary.
“The approved boarding fees remain as they have always been. Reports in some sections of the media suggesting otherwise are incorrect,” he clarified.
The CS said that TVETs remain central to Kenya’s development agenda, describing them as engines of industrial growth and youth empowerment.
“A week ago, the Higher Education Loans Board released Ksh 441 million for upkeep loans to 54,204 students in TVET colleges. So far, more than 126,000 TVET students have benefited this financial year, with total funding amounting to Ksh 3.47 billion,” he revealed.
Ogamba described the Dual Training Policy as one of the boldest steps in reshaping Kenya’s education system to reflect the realities of the modern economy.
“This policy reflects our belief that learning must be practical, relevant, and connected closely to the real economy. It aligns with Vision 2030 and supports a competitive, industrial, and knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
The policy aims to promote collaboration between government, industry, and development partners to ensure training directly translates into employment, productivity, and innovation.
“Dual training offers the best of both worlds—classroom knowledge and workplace experience. It prioritises skills over paper, competence over theory, and opportunities over promises,” said Ogamba.
He also urged industries to open more apprenticeship opportunities, collaborate with TVET institutions, and participate in developing and assessing curricula.
“Through this policy, employers will not only help design relevant curricula but will also mentor trainees and provide real-world work environments,” he added.
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The Ambassador of Finland to Kenya, H.E. Riina-Riika Heikka, commended the Kenyan government for prioritizing youth employment and skills development, noting that Finland and Germany have partnered with Kenya through the Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training Project, implemented by GIZ.
“The dual training model—combining classroom learning with on-the-job training—bridges the mismatch between the skills of the workforce and employer needs,” said Heikka. “Nearly 10,000 students have already enrolled in dual training courses across 80 TVET institutions, with 40% of them being women.”
She added that more than 1,500 companies are now participating in the program, while seven Finnish institutions have partnered with Kenyan TVET colleges to promote knowledge exchange, green transition, and modern teaching technologies.
Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, who earlier officiated the final seminar of the Kenya-Finland TVET School Partnership in Nairobi, applauded the collaboration for strengthening trainer capacity and expanding dual training programs.
“The impact is clear—from increased enrolment and upskilling of trainers to improved curriculum delivery. We must now focus on building a globally competitive, industry-responsive TVET ecosystem that empowers our youth,” she said.
KINAP Principal, Sammy Waititu, expressed pride in the institution’s pioneering role in implementing the dual training model, noting that KINAP began with 20 students in 2020 and now trains 337 students in industrial mechatronics, hospitality, and automotive programs.
“We are proud to have mentored more than 60 TVET institutions nationwide. Dual training has transformed lives and industries—students who once came as trainees are now indispensable in their workplaces,” Waititu said.
He highlighted KINAP’s achievements, including being named the Best Institution in Dual TVET and Best in Greening at a recent national awards ceremony, attributing success to sustainable initiatives like a 1.6 million-liter water harvesting system.
The launch of the Dual Training Policy marks a new era in Kenya’s education landscape—one where skills, innovation, and industry collaboration form the backbone of national development.
“The future of skills development lies in stronger TVET-industry linkages,” said Ogamba. “It is the industry that understands the market and the technology that creates jobs and wealth. Together, we are shaping a Kenya where every skill counts and every youth has a chance to thrive.”
By Felix Wanderi
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