Initiative to upskill youth in construction sector launched

A partnership to promote vocational training and improve youth employability prospects in the construction sector has been launched.

The initiative follows Tatu City’s strategic partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to boost skills through the Build4Skills and Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training programmes.

Build4Skills is a flagship initiative commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ. It integrates practical vocational training into infrastructure projects. Inspired by Germany’s dual training model, Build4Skills bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry demands by equipping young people with hands-on experience in real-world settings, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation.

“The Build4Skills programme exists to bridge the gap between training and employment by embedding real-world learning into the construction sector,” said Rehan Dubow, the Vocational Training and Labour Market Advisor for the Build4Skills programme.

“Our partnership with Tatu City offers the perfect platform to provide TVET trainees with relevant, on-site experience. Together, we are aligning technical education with market demands.”

“Our partnership with GIZ is not only a response to current demand but a long-term vision to build a sustainable talent pipeline,” said Head of City Management at Tatu City Linda Nyaseda.

She said Tatu City is committed to accommodating over 30 interns by the end of the year. So far, it has hosted more than 10 interns from local TVET institutions under the Build4Skills programme, offering students on-the-job training across its departments.

This model of work-based learning is critical to preparing Kenyan youth for careers in infrastructure, building, and development.

The partnership aims to expand further by collaborating with the Promotion of Youth Employment and Vocational Training programme, which utilises the dual training model to strengthen collaboration between TVET institutions and industry. The initiative is jointly financed by the governments of Finland and Germany.

“We are proud to partner with Tatu City, a forward-thinking urban development that recognises the power of practical training in empowering youth,” said Immaculate Otieno, vocational training and labour market advisor for the Youth Employment and Vocational Training programme.

Since its inception, the Tatu City ecosystem has generated over 25,000 jobs, including 4,000 semi-skilled roles filled through the Tatu City Labour Desk.

To address the skills gap, Tatu Skills Hub has trained more than 500 youth in vocations such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, with over 80 per cent of graduates securing employment within the city.