Eldoret National Polytechnic Joins KOICA-GIZ Green Skills Project to Promote Women’s Employment in TVET Sector

The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) has been recognized as one of the key institutions implementing the KOICA/GIZ Project on the Promotion of Employment for Women and Green Industry, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women and promoting sustainability within Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

Representing the Chief Principal, Dr. Charles Koech, at the official workshop and project launch held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, Mr. David Chepkangor — the Linkages and International Partnerships / Trainer Learning Center Coordinator at TENP — expressed the institution’s strong commitment to advancing green skills and gender inclusivity in vocational training.

The project, officially launched by Dr. Esther Mworia, Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET at the Ministry of Education, brings together multiple stakeholders, including KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), and the Ministry of Education, to support the integration of green industry practices into Kenya’s TVET system.

In his remarks, Mr. Chepkangor highlighted the importance of the collaboration in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for Kenya’s youth, particularly women.

“The discussions were highly insightful, focusing on how we can strategically integrate green skills and empower women within the TVET sector. Eldoret National Polytechnic is fully committed to preparing our trainees for the future of the green economy,” he said.

The initiative seeks to equip trainees with practical knowledge in renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, waste management, and climate-smart innovation — all essential for the transition to a green economy.

Under the project, TENP will begin implementing specialized programs starting January 2026, positioning the institution as a regional leader in driving sustainable development and gender equality in technical education.

Dr. Mworia, while launching the project, commended the efforts of KOICA and GIZ in supporting Kenya’s TVET transformation agenda. She emphasized that the integration of green skills into vocational training is not only vital for environmental conservation but also for creating decent employment opportunities, particularly for women.

“Empowering women through green skills is key to achieving equitable and sustainable growth. Our TVET institutions must continue to evolve and respond to the demands of a rapidly changing global economy,” said Dr. Mworia.

TENP’s inclusion in the project underscores its continued leadership in innovation, skills development, and industry linkages. The institution’s ongoing commitment to equipping trainees with relevant, future-oriented competencies aligns with the government’s Vision 2030 and the national green growth agenda.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to KOICA, GIZ, and the Ministry of Education, State Department for TVET, for spearheading this vital partnership,” Mr. Chepkangor added. “Together, we are not only training for today’s jobs but preparing for the green industries of tomorrow.”

The KOICA/GIZ Green Industry Project marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to integrate sustainability, gender equity, and innovation into technical and vocational education — paving the way for a new generation of environmentally conscious and empowered professionals.