In the pursuit of affordable housing in Kenya, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have emerged as crucial players.
As the country grapples with a growing housing deficit and rising construction costs, TVETs are equipping young people with practical skills essential for the delivery of quality, cost-effective housing projects.
Skilled Workforce for the Construction Sector
The construction of affordable housing depends heavily on the availability of trained artisans, technicians, and middle-level professionals. TVETs are bridging this gap by training youth in trades such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, welding, and construction management.
Through hands-on training and industry attachments, graduates are job-ready and can contribute meaningfully to ongoing housing projects. This not only improves the quality of construction but also reduces dependence on expensive foreign expertise.
Promoting Innovative and Low-Cost Technologies
TVET institutions are also introducing students to emerging building technologies that support affordable housing delivery. These include the use of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSBs), precast concrete systems, and other eco-friendly methods that reduce both construction time and costs.
By integrating innovation into the curriculum, TVETs help scale up the adoption of modern, sustainable construction solutions suitable for Kenya’s diverse housing needs.
Boosting Employment and Economic Inclusion
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) under the Big 4 Agenda has created a demand for labor in the housing sector. TVETs are aligning their training with national priorities, ensuring that graduates find employment or start their own ventures within the construction value chain.
This has a twofold impact supporting the national housing goals while simultaneously addressing youth unemployment and poverty.
Supporting Government-Private Sector Collaboration
TVETs work in partnership with both the government and private sector developers. These partnerships ensure that training is relevant to market needs, and that graduates are absorbed into ongoing housing projects.
Some construction companies even sponsor students or collaborate with institutions to develop customized training programs.
TVETs are more than educational institutions they are engines driving Kenya’s affordable housing ambitions.
By producing skilled labor, encouraging innovation, and strengthening public-private linkages, they play a vital role in making decent housing accessible to more Kenyans.
As the country continues to urbanize, expanding and supporting TVET programs will be key to sustainable construction and inclusive economic growth.
