The Kenyan government is launching a targeted textile and apparel skills enhancement program to address youth unemployment, focusing on 15 designated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The pilot program, scheduled to commence at the end of March, will initially be implemented in Nairobi and Mombasa, with subsequent expansion to other regions nationwide.
According to the Kenya Federation of Employers, despite an overall national unemployment rate of 12.7 per cent, youth, representing 35 per cent of the population, face a disproportionately high unemployment rate of 67 per cent. Each year, over one million young individuals enter the labour market without requisite skills, often due to school dropouts or the completion of education without further vocational training.
Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for the State Department for TVET, emphasized that this initiative seeks to equip young students with specialized skills and reduce TVET dropout rates.
“This initiative seeks to equip young students with specialized skills and reduce drop-out rates in vocational training,” she stated. The department plans to restructure the TVET curriculum into micro-credentials, allowing students to acquire job-ready skills more efficiently, expedite graduation, and facilitate employment or entrepreneurial ventures. “We plan to restructure the TVET curriculum into micro-credentials, allowing students to acquire job-ready skills more rapidly, graduate sooner, and either find employment or start their businesses,” Dr. Muoria added.
Selected institutions for the pilot program include Tetu Technical and Vocational College, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic, and other strategically chosen institutions to ensure equitable training access across the country. The pilot phase will evaluate the program’s effectiveness before a broader national rollout.
Dr. Muoria highlighted the existing skills gap between available opportunities in the textile and apparel sector and the skills possessed by youth, which the program seeks to bridge through a partnership with Sainath Education Institute.
“There is an existing gap between job opportunities in the textile and apparel sector and the skills possessed by youth, a gap the program intends to bridge,” she noted.
The initiative will also prioritize the enhancement of TVET trainer skills in fashion and design, providing access to modern training tools to ensure high-quality instruction. The updated Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum will be aligned with current industry demands, allowing trainees to complete core competency units within six to eight months for accelerated entry into the workforce.
Through streamlined TVET training, the government aims to increase graduate employability in the textile sector and promote entrepreneurship.
The Kenyan apparel market is projected to reach approximately US$6.19 billion by 2025, with women’s apparel constituting the largest segment. The market is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate of 3.69% from 2025 to 2029, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced clothing.
Currently, Kenya’s apparel sector supports over 66,000 direct jobs and an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 indirect jobs, making a substantial contribution to the economy.
The country is recognized as a key participant in global fashion supply chains, exporting garments primarily to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and supplying prominent brands such as H&M and Levi’s.
TVET’s Contribution to Youth Empowerment
Over the past century, TVET in Kenya has evolved to become a cornerstone of the nation’s education system, focusing on equipping youth with essential industrial skills and knowledge necessary for success in a dynamic job market. This approach fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Presently, 24 National Polytechnics, which also function as Qualification Awarding Institutions (QAIs), are distributed throughout the country. The government aims to establish a national polytechnic in every county and a TVET institution in each constituency.
The societal value of TVET is significant, with the sector demonstrating notable progress in producing industry-ready graduates with globally demanded skills. This advancement is facilitated by the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) and Dual Training, a CBET component where 50 to 70 per cent of training occurs within industry settings and 30 to 50 per cent within institutions. This model ensures that TVET trainees gain familiarity with industrial practices, culture, and conduct while acquiring essential skills.
The Kenyan government is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education to bolster the nation’s capacity for practical training. The objective is to leverage TVET’s potential to enable young people to contribute effectively to economic growth. The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), initiated by the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto, is designed to accelerate economic growth through strategic investments.
Challenges Facing the Textile Industry in Kenya
The textile industry in Kenya faces several critical challenges that impede its growth and competitiveness. A primary issue is high production costs, largely attributable to reliance on outdated machinery. This not only affects production quality but is compounded by financial constraints, high taxation, and unfavourable exchange rates, hindering investments in modern technology.
The industry also grapples with a deficit of skilled labour. Many firms opt for less qualified workers due to budgetary limitations, and there is a misalignment between educational institutions offering textile courses and industry requirements. This results in inadequate on-the-job training, leaving graduates ill-prepared for industry demands.
Intense competition, particularly from imported raw materials and finished products, further complicates the landscape. Firms often produce lower-quality goods due to outdated technology and face additional challenges from high production costs. Corruption also undermines fair competition, facilitating tax-evading textile imports and counterfeit product proliferation.
Opportunities for Growth in Kenya’s Textile and Apparel Sector
Despite these obstacles, significant growth opportunities exist in Kenya’s textile and apparel sector. The country benefits from duty-free access to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and various trade agreements, including AfCFTA, COMESA, and EAC. These agreements can enhance Kenya’s position in the global market and promote economic diversification.
Government support is another positive factor, with the Kenyan government prioritizing the textile sector and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Initiatives focusing on cotton production offer substantial potential for job creation and economic development. Kenya’s young and trainable workforce, strategic geographic location, and initiatives promoting sustainable practices contribute to the sector’s revitalization.
To foster growth, addressing infrastructure deficiencies, particularly in reliable power and transportation, is crucial, along with a focus on value addition within the textile value chain. With these strategic measures, the Kenyan textile industry can realize its growth potential and enhance its overall competitiveness.