Government urges Kenyan youth to embrace technical education as demand for skilled workers surges nationwide

The government has urged young Kenyans to pursue technical and vocational training to unlock job and business opportunities amid dwindling white-collar employment.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Garissa Youth Summit at Garissa University, Youth Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Fikirini Jacobs said it is time to shift focus from traditional university education to skill-based learning, which is proving more relevant to Kenya’s job market.

“We’ve given too much attention to university education for too long,” said Jacobs. “Yet millions of graduates enter the job market every year without opportunities. Technical education creates the demand that fuels employment.”

The PS noted that 1.6 million graduates join the job market annually, yet many remain jobless because the economy lacks sufficient white-collar openings. He said that through technical education, Kenya can create a workforce capable of driving industrial growth and innovation.

Jacobs highlighted government programs such as National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), the Jitume program, and Climate Worxs, which equip young people with modern skills in technology, innovation, and sustainability.

“The government is deliberate about empowering technical and vocational education,” he added. “Through TVET and digital economy partnerships, young people can access training and real job opportunities.”

Garissa Township MP Major (Rtd.) Dekow Mohamed echoed the PS’s sentiments, urging youth to enroll in technical institutions and embrace innovation-driven careers such as artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship.

“We must move away from the obsession with white-collar jobs,” said Dekow. “Our young people need to focus on skills, not titles.”

The MP noted that nearly eight million young Kenyans remain unemployed despite having formal education, largely due to limited exposure and poor career guidance. He called for stronger collaboration between local industries and training institutions to ensure skills match market demands.

As Kenya pushes to expand its TVET network, both leaders said technical education remains the surest path to reducing unemployment, promoting innovation, and building a self-reliant generation of youth