NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce foreign language training in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions as Kenya positions youth for opportunities in the global labour market.
TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria announced the launch of the German Language TVET Trainers Capacity Building and Examiner Qualification Programme at Kabete National Polytechnic.
Language as an Employability Tool
Muoria said language proficiency has become a critical requirement for Kenyan youth seeking employment abroad.
“Language training must now be deliberately integrated into TVET as a strategic enabler of global employability,” she said.
The programme, launched in partnership with inLEGAS Limited Company, aims to strengthen trainer capacity, improve assessment standards, and create international certification pathways within the TVET sector.
Competence Over Numbers
Muoria emphasised that TVET institutions must focus on producing competent and industry-ready graduates rather than simply increasing trainee numbers.
“The true measure of training is not the number of graduates produced, but the competence, practical skills, and workplace readiness that enable them to be absorbed by both local and global industry,” she said.
Germany Opportunity
The move comes as Kenya seeks to tap into growing international labour opportunities, particularly in Germany, which has allocated approximately 50,000 job opportunities to Kenyans.
The government said integrating foreign language training into TVET institutions would enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan youth in overseas labour markets while equipping them with skills required by international employers.
Existing Language Training Landscape
Foreign language training in Kenya is already expanding across universities, colleges, and professional institutions.
The Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies (KIFLAPS) offers structured language instruction based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from beginner level (A1) to mastery (C2), in languages including Kiswahili, English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.
Kabarak University offers Chinese language training in collaboration with Nanjing Agricultural University and German language courses in partnership with the Akdogan Glaszner German School.
Spring International Training College provides English for IELTS and TOEFL preparation, French for Francophone countries, German for employment and study in Germany, and Spanish and Chinese for international business and diplomacy.
KIPS Technical College offers language training in English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese, covering speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and comprehension across beginner to advanced levels.
