New advisory team to oversee rollout of job-linked training policy

Some of the members of the Dual Training Advisory Committee during the inauguration ceremony in Nairobi. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

A new advisory committee has been formed to oversee implementation of a national policy linking technical training with industry needs amid concerns over rising youth unemployment and skills mismatch.

The  Dual Training Advisory Committee will guide the rollout of a work-based learning system combining classroom teaching with on-the-job training.

 It brings together officials from government, private sector representatives, development partners and civil society.

Acting Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Joseph Njau, speaking on behalf of Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, said the committee was expected to play a central role in coordinating the policy.

 “Today’s inauguration of this Advisory Committee reaffirms our commitment to closing the gap between classroom learning and the real-world skills demanded by industry,” Muoria said in a statement on Thursday, May 22.

Members signed formal acceptance letters and will meet every quarter to monitor progress and report to the Ministry of Education.

The policy was approved in January following concerns from employers about poorly prepared graduates.

Since 2019, the department has piloted dual training with financial support of 15 million euros from Finland and Germany.