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Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training

The Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Program (KBEST) supports skills development in key economic sectors to position the country as a competitive presence in the global blue economy.

KBEST connects Canadian colleges and institutes with technical and vocational training (TVET) institutions in two regions in Kenya (on the Indian Ocean coast and around Lake Victoria). In partnership, KBEST enhances the capacity of these institutions to deliver skills training programs that meet international standards and respond to the emerging needs and opportunities in the blue economy, while preserving the health of oceans and water systems for future generations of Kenyans.

In particular, KBEST emphasizes training for women, youth, and vulnerable populations in fields and subsectors of the blue economy that have the greatest potential for formal employment and self-employment.

Over 5,000 young Kenyans are expected to benefit directly from this program.

KBEST engages with the private sector to identify skills gaps, develop occupational standards and curricula, improve training facilities, and provide internships and attachments.

KBEST partners with local women’s rights organizations to support community outreach, and with Nairobi-based Equity Group Foundation to provide scholarships and other student support for girls and women.

KBEST is an Education for Employment (EFE) program. EFE is a development cooperation strategy based on partnership. The approach brings together governments, institutional partners, communities, and employers to strengthen the social and economic development of the communities in which we work. These partnerships strengthen the capacity of TVET and CBET institutions in countries around the world that are key drivers of economic growth and employment, in particular for young people.