Determinants of a Responsive TVET Sub-sector in Addressing Youth Employment Skills Needs in Kenya

The evolution of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya has been historically shaped by colonial policies that marginalized African learners and relegated them to manual labour roles. In contemporary Kenya, the enactment of the TVET Act (2013) marked a pivotal shift by emphasizing the development of technical and professional competencies across economic sectors to enhance graduates' lifelong employability. This study investigated the critical determinants of a responsive TVET sub-sector that effectively meets the employment skills needs of Kenyan youth. Grounded in Dale’s Cone of Experience theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. A total of 650 participants were selected through simple random sampling, comprising 300 TVET principals, 300 trainers, and 50 graduates. Data collection involved the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings identified several key determinants of responsiveness, including the presence of qualified instructional staff, sufficient funding, alignment of curricula with evolving labour market demands, integration of modern technologies, and the relevance of TVET programs to industry needs. The study concluded that without continuous technological upgrades and demand-driven reforms, the TVET sub-sector risks becoming misaligned with youth employment imperatives. It is recommended that the national government increase investment in the TVET system to bolster its capacity to equip youth with market-relevant skills. Keywords: TVET, employment skills, youth, responsiveness, Kenya, determinants, technical education DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-9-04 Publication date: October 30th 2025