Kenya and Australia Partner to Roll Out Internationally Accredited TVET Programs to Empower Youth for Global Workforce

In a transformative development for technical and vocational education in Kenya, the Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has entered into a landmark partnership with the Signet Institute of Australia to deliver internationally accredited courses aimed at equipping Kenyan youth with globally competitive skills.

The announcement was made during a high-profile event held at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, one of Kenya’s premier TVET institutions. This initiative, backed by a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks the beginning of a strategic rollout that will eventually cover all national polytechnics in the country.

The launch was officiated by Dr Wilson Kogo Kenyan High Commisioner to Australia and flanked  by Mr. John Tuei, Director for TVET at the State Department, who represented Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria. He was joined by Dr. Wilson Kogo, Kenya's High Commissioner to Australia, and Mohamed Ali, Head of Sales and Marketing for Signet Institute of Australia.

A New Chapter in Skills Development

“This partnership is a game-changer,” said Mr. Tuei. “As a government, we are committed to creating dignified pathways for our youth to participate meaningfully in the global economy. By aligning our training to international standards and offering accreditation recognized abroad, we are opening doors for young Kenyans to access jobs beyond our borders — particularly in high-demand markets like Australia.”

Mr. Tuei noted that the initiative would initially be piloted in seven national polytechnics, with plans to gradually expand to all institutions under the TVET umbrella. The first phase includes the Eldoret National Polytechnic, which has been instrumental in coordinating the launch.

“Through this collaboration with the Signet Institute of Australia, we are not just training for the local job market — we are training for the world. This means the courses we develop and roll out will meet global standards, making our graduates more competitive and employable across international markets,” he added.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dr. Wilson Kogo, described the partnership as a significant diplomatic and economic milestone.

“What we are witnessing today is a milestone — not just in education, but in how we, as a nation, leverage our human capital,” said Dr. Kogo. “My role as a diplomat is to connect Kenya to opportunities abroad, and this partnership is an excellent example of that. Australia and many other regions have a growing demand for skilled labor, and Kenya, with its vibrant youth population and strong TVET sector, is well positioned to fill that gap.”

Dr. Kogo emphasized the need for Kenya to continuously assess whether its training programs meet global expectations. “We must ask ourselves — is our training aligned with the skills needed abroad? This partnership helps us answer that question by ensuring international accreditation, realignment of curricula, and the creation of training programs that are directly linked to market demand.”

He also highlighted the broader economic impact. “When our youth find meaningful work abroad, they not only uplift themselves and their families, but they also contribute to the national economy through remittances, which have become a key pillar of our GDP.”

Local Leadership Welcomes Initiative

Lucy Njoroge, Uasin Gishu County Executive for Education, expressed her full support for the collaboration, describing it as a “visionary step” for the region and for Kenya as a whole.

“This initiative will benefit our young people immensely,” she said. “They will be able to work here in Kenya or in countries like Australia, with skills that are recognized globally. We welcome the establishment of the Signet Institute office here in Eldoret, and I encourage our youth to take advantage of this program, especially given the reduced training costs negotiated under this partnership.”

She reiterated the county government's commitment to working closely with national institutions to facilitate smooth implementation and ensure maximum reach and impact.

Signet Institute Commits to Supporting Kenyan Youth

Mohamed Ali, Head of Sales and Marketing for Signet Institute of Australia, conveyed his enthusiasm for the program and praised the leadership that made the collaboration possible.

“We are honored to be part of this great journey,” said Mr. Ali. “Under the leadership of Dr. Wilson Kogo and in collaboration with the Kenyan government, we are committed to supporting young Kenyans to acquire the skills they need to succeed globally. The youth of Kenya are a powerful resource. Through this program, they will not only learn and grow but also gain opportunities to travel, work, and contribute meaningfully to their country.”

He added that Signet Institute’s physical presence in Eldoret would act as a hub for coordination, student support, and curriculum development, helping to tailor training to meet international market demands.

“Let’s start small, but with the right foundation. We will grow together and show the world what Kenya has to offer,” Mr. Ali concluded.

Building a Sustainable Future

This partnership is part of Kenya’s broader agenda to harness the power of TVET to tackle youth unemployment, enhance economic resilience, and promote international collaboration. By focusing on global accreditation and industry alignment, the initiative aims to ensure that skills training remains relevant, competitive, and future-ready.

The phased rollout allows for monitoring and improvement, with insights from the pilot institutions informing the scaling strategy to other polytechnics.

As the world increasingly turns to skilled labor to drive productivity and growth, Kenya’s proactive investment in internationally accredited TVET programs positions it as a leader on the continent in educational innovation and workforce development.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between the Kenyan government and the Signet Institute of Australia is expected to not only improve training standards but also serve as a model for similar collaborations with other global institutions.

By developing a skilled workforce capable of thriving in international job markets, Kenya is not only empowering its youth — it is also reinforcing its position as a regional hub for technical excellence and global talent.