The Ministry of Youth Affairs Creative Economy and Sports, State Department of Youth Social Development , director Ms Emily Maina said the government has acknowledged that youth development issues and empowerment require a multi-sectoral approach support from stakeholders.
Maina said Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) is increasingly recognized by governments and development institutions and partners as the most practical avenue for youth to acquire work skills.
“The patnerships between the government and stakeholders including NGOs, academia, and private sectors among others are needed in supporting vocational training sector to play its role in innovation, skills development and youth employment,” she said.
Maina spoke during the 7th graduation of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free Weekend Academy at its headquarters along Thika Road on Saturday, February 15th, 2025.
Over 5,000 Youths graduated with certificate courses in vocational training through the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Free Weekend Academy which offers 29 courses including, Plumbing, Beauty and Hairdressing, Catering, Camera Operations, Computer packages, Fashion, and Design.
“In addition generating new products, the innovation hubs housed in training institutes are proving to be useful platforms to bring together sector stakeholders from government, education and industry for policy development and promotion of TVET in the country,” she said.
Maina was accompanied by Kiambu Deputy Governor, Ms. Rosemary Kirika said in most sub-Saharan African countries, more than 75 percent of Kenya’s population is below 35 years of age.
”More than 13 percent of youth are unemployed or underemployed, and this number is expected to grow. Recent estimates show that thousands of young people, often poorly skilled, leave school early every year in search of work, but with limited success. Those who leave school early often cannot benefit from even the few employment opportunities available,” said the director.
Research findings have informed the development of a national quality-assurance framework, which the government and other stakeholders are using to improve the quality and relevance of TVET in Kenya.
The findings and recommendations have also provided support for the implementation of the National Youth Employment Programme, which aims to create employment opportunities for youth by developing the capacity of TVET institutions and graduates.
Addressing the graduands IYF Chairman Rev. Yohan Kim challenged the graduands as they pursue their careers to stop being money-oriented and focus on having a great legacy on the positive impact they have on other people as money is not a measure of success in life.
“Money is numbers and numbers never end. If it takes, money to be happy, your search for happiness will never end. Money is needed to fulfill our needs, but when money starts addressing our greed, money makes us unhappy, and it creates worry and stress, it makes our lives a mess, ” said the chairman.
IYF Weekend Academy has been instrumental in providing skills to disadvantaged youths a majority being form 4 leavers who in one way or the other, could not have a chance to further their education due to financial constraints.
The initiative which has adopted a three-month cohort structure, not only equips students with practical skills but also empowers them to contribute positively to their communities and the broader economy.
Since its inception in 2007 IYF Free Academy, has channeled out over 60,000 graduands who have gone out to be important members of the society.
The academy operates on weekends across 3months whereby students pick one course at a time after which they graduate with certificates and the best receive a scholarship to further their education with Mahanaim College as a partner.
The next IYF Free Weekend intake commences on February 22nd, 2025 at the IYF headquarters along Thika Road.