Kenya’s technical and vocational training (TVET) modernization drive has been dealt a blow after the African Development Bank (AfDB) withdrew 335 million Kenyan shillings from a flagship upgrade program, citing continued bureaucratic delays slowing down contracts and disbursements.
The cuts, detailed in the bank’s completion report, raise concerns about the preparedness of the banking sector to meet growing demand for scholarships, equipment provision and practical skills.
Launched in 2015 with a commitment of Ksh 7.2 billion under the African Development Fund (ADF), the project aims to overhaul selected TVET institutions over five years, build workshops and hostels, provide modern equipment and strengthen staff capacity to improve youth employability.
The program also included scholarships for poor students, allowing them to expand access and tailor their training to labor market needs.
According to the AfDB, the program’s momentum was undermined by bureaucratic red tape within the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury, which delayed the processing of disbursements and the implementation of contracts. As a result, the full amount of UA41 million (approximately Ksh7.2 billion) allocated to ADF could not be utilized within the project framework, leaving the bank to recover Sh335 million that remained unspent at the time of closure.
Despite administrative obstacles, the program recorded significant results. A total of 544 tutors were trained against a target of 600, strengthening teaching capacity across participating institutions. Additionally, 3,000 students received scholarships, meeting the program’s access goals and providing relief to learners from low-income backgrounds who may have been excluded from technical training.
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However, the infrastructure components failed to meet that goal. Of the 33 planned institutions, only 10 were provided with fully equipped engineering and applied science workshops by the end of the project, and two more facilities were still under construction at the time of closure. This shortage means that many universities remain underequipped, limiting the breadth and quality of practical training students receive in key areas.
The AfDB warned that without additional support and streamlined implementation, Kenya’s TVET sector risks falling behind the skills the economy needs. .
Industry insiders say the withdrawal should serve as a wake-up call to strengthen project management and speed up decision-making within the government. As youth unemployment and skills mismatch remain pressing concerns, the ability of TVET systems to produce qualified graduates depends on predictable funding, efficient enforcement, and strong accountability across implementing agencies.
The completion report also highlights the importance of protecting the scholarship pipeline, which has proven effective in expanding access for vulnerable learners. Ensuring continuity of student support, along with timely delivery of workshops and equipment, is essential to maintain momentum and avoid eroding the gains made under the program.
Written by Masaki Enoch
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