Australia–Kenya Skills Partnership to Boost Youth Employment as Eldoret Hosts 2025 Signet TVET Festival
Dr. Koech said the collaboration would involve joint course development, trainer exchange programs, industrial placements, and expanded access to Australian-standard courses.
Dr. Kogo noted that Kenya, where 75% of the population is below 35, is well positioned to provide the skilled labour Australia urgently needs. Photo/Courtesy
By Naomy Cheruiyot
The Eldoret National Polytechnic became the focal point of Kenya’s technical and vocational transformation on Wednesday as it hosted the 2025 Signet TVET Festival, a major showcase of globally benchmarked training programs and new career avenues for young Kenyans. In attendance were national officials, diplomats, industry experts, and international training partners, all united in one goal: to strengthen Kenya’s skilled workforce and create a link to various job markets abroad.
At the heart of the festival was the deepening partnership between TENP and the Signet Institute of Australia, a partnership leaders described as one of the most forward-looking initiatives in the country’s vocational training space.
TENP Principal: Partnership Unlocks Global Job Markets
TENP Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech OGW said that cooperation with the Australian institution had positioned the Kenyan youth for unprecedented opportunities.
“This collaboration will allow our students to acquire internationally accredited skills, hence a competitive edge in the global market,” he said.
Dr. Koech observed that the training framework introduced through the partnership meets the stringent standards accepted in more than 36 countries, therefore increasing employment prospects for thousands of Kenyan graduates.
“With these qualifications, our youth can get employment in many global markets and change their lives,” he added.
Presently, the institution trains more than 17,000 learners and is among the largest polytechnics in East Africa. Dr. Koech said the collaboration would involve joint course development, trainer exchange programs, industrial placements, and expanded access to Australian-standard courses.
New Phase in Kenya–Australia Relations
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Ambassador Dr. Wilson Kogo, said the initiative aligns with wider bilateral efforts aimed at streamlining vocational education and matching Kenya’s skilled labour with international needs.
Dr. Kogo said the program, which was launched three months ago, forms part of celebrations marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He stated that Australia is now faced with huge labour shortages across different sectors of the economy, among them:
Over 10,000 bricklayers.
Nearly 50,000 health workers
About 98,000 electricians and electrical technicians
Large deficits in agriculture, dairy, construction, and aged care
“With 75% of Kenyans under 35, our country is well-placed to respond to these shortages—provided our training meets global standards,” the envoy added.
The first batch of trainees started learning under the new model in September this year, while a second group joins in January, targeting over 1,000 graduates in the initial phase. Dr. Kogo said the number will grow gradually as the programs gain traction.
Sygnet Global: Global Careers From Local Classrooms
Officers from Sygnet Global, the Australian-accredited training body partnering with Kenyan polytechnics, reiterated the importance of acquiring Australian-level qualifications without necessarily leaving Kenya.
“Our philosophy is simple; that is, train locally, work globally,” Muhammad Imran Ali, Head of Sales and Marketing, said. He further said the qualifications are recognized across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and dozens of other countries, thus making them a direct pathway to skilled migration and overseas employment.
Government Cracks Down on Rogue Recruiters
Ambassador Kogo addressed the alarming increase in fraudulent recruitment activities targeting job-seeking Kenyans. He said the government had revoked the licenses of more than 600 recruitment agencies found to engage in malpractices.
“Anyone tarnishing Kenya’s image through unethical behaviour will face consequences,” he warned, urging young people to uphold honesty when applying for foreign jobs.
He said that Kenya’s classification at level three in international labour migration assessments is partly because of document fraud and unethical recruitment practices. He added that consultations with Australia are on-going on ways of streamlining the processing of visas, recognition of community fundraising (harambee) in financial assessments, and possible exemptions from English tests.
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