The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) has called for closer collaboration between education and industry to equip young people with practical skills that meet the rapidly changing labour market needs.

 

Speaking on behalf of Acting Director General Ms. Theresa Wasike on Thursday during a panel on Youth Employment, Employability and Skills Development at the Youth Devolution Festival 2025, Industrial Training Expert Hellen Ndegwa stressed the importance of industry-driven training models and supportive policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

She outlined NITA’s ongoing efforts to bridge the skills gap, including aligning curricula with industry needs, offering up skilling and re-skilling programs, and expanding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to validate informally acquired skills.

 

Looking into the future, the Industrial Training Expert noted that the Authority is keen to deepen public-private partnerships, embed digital literacy and soft skills in training, and promote entrepreneurial mindsets among trainees. 

 

She further emphasized that continuous labour market research and intelligence will guide curriculum reforms to prepare Kenyan youth for the jobs of tomorrow.

 

Ms. Ndegwa urged youth to embrace opportunities in the digital and green economy, noting that adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning are key to future career success.