Transforming training. Expanding opportunities. Building brighter futures.
This program ended in October 2025. It was led by Colleges and Institutes Canada in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Government of Kenya, and the private sector.
At the heart of the Young Africa Works in Kenya – TVET Program was a simple idea: lasting impact comes through strong partnerships. Kenyan ministries, training institutions, employers, and communities worked hand in hand with 29 Canadian colleges and institutes to reimagine what technical and vocational training could achieve.
Together, we built stronger institutions, expanded opportunities for youth—especially young women—and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and responsive system that opens doors to learners and supports long-term social and economic progress.
What We Did
Over five years, partners worked together to:
- Embed Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) across 25 institutions
- Train instructors and update curricula to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned programs
- Equip institutions with modern equipment and tools
- Connect training to jobs by engaging industry partners, establishing advisory committees, and launching applied research centres
- Create inclusive learning spaces with on-campus daycare centres and gender-responsive policies
- Expand access and recognition through new pathways like Recognition of Prior Learning centres
The Impact
The program has transformed how training is delivered and accessed in Kenya — and its benefits continue today. Youth are gaining practical skills linked to real employment, women have greater access to education, and institutions maintain stronger ties with industry.
Canadian colleges and institutes were central to this success. By sharing their expertise in applied learning, employer engagement, and institutional development, they helped embed reforms that endure, leaving behind stronger institutions and new opportunities for young people to thrive.
Celebrating the Results
The impact booklet highlights how Canadian and Kenyan partners worked together to strengthen institutions, expand access, and create lasting opportunities for young people.
