FCA Kenya, in partnership with Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) and funded by GIZ, has concluded an 18-month initiative aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya.

The program, implemented across five TVET institutions in Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a counties, focused on equipping young people—especially women—with practical, market-relevant skills to improve their chances of securing meaningful employment.

Speaking during the wrap-up meeting in Nyeri, FCA TVET Officer Gerald Abele said the project had made significant strides in enhancing the quality of training and empowering educators.

“TVET is the epitome of education,” Abele said. “It empowers young people through practicable skills matched to labor demand. We’re proud of the achievements and excited about the partnerships we’ve built.”

The initiative trained 65 TVET educators in competency-based education, in-service trainer development, prior learning assessment, life skills, and employability curriculum. It also introduced modern teaching technologies and digital tools to support personalised learning.

“TVET educators are the pillars of vocational education in Kenya,” Abele added. “They ensure that policies translate into practical skills that enhance employability.”

TAMK Project Manager Ville Palkinen praised the trainers’ openness to innovation.

“It was great to see trainers using digital tools—many for the first time,” he said. “Their eagerness to learn shows that this is not about exporting knowledge from Finland, but about mutual cooperation.”

The project also prioritized gender-specific needs, creating safe and inclusive environments that encouraged young women to participate in training. By fostering confidence and practical skills, the initiative contributed to individual empowerment and broader socio-economic progress.

Text: Daisy Obare/FCA