The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), in collaboration with the Danish Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), is pleased to announce a call for scholarship applications under the Kenya TVET Project 2025. This initiative seeks to support Kenyan youth and existing workers in acquiring certified skills and training in various technical areas, including building construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, and solar energy. The project is geared towards improving employability and enhancing the capacity of the workforce in Kenya’s growing construction and energy sectors.
The scholarship covers tuition and examination fees in full, providing a significant opportunity for motivated individuals who are either form four leavers or already working in the trades but without formal training or certification. The program is set to be implemented at NITA Athi River Training Centre, with the next cohort of beneficiaries scheduled for intake in September 2025.
Background
With the demand for certified technical professionals increasing rapidly in Kenya, this initiative offers timely and valuable support to individuals seeking to join or grow within the construction and energy sectors. Kenya’s Vision 2030 and various national development plans emphasize the importance of vocational and technical training in fostering industrial growth, reducing unemployment, and improving livelihoods. The NITA-Danish Government partnership aims to deliver high-quality technical education and practical experience to eligible candidates at no cost, thereby eliminating common barriers to skills development.
Training Objectives
The primary objectives of the scholarship program include:
- Providing access to technical education for young people who have completed secondary school but are unable to pursue further studies due to financial constraints.
- Enhancing the skills of workers already employed in the construction sector but lacking formal training or national certification.
- Offering Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments for experienced professionals, enabling them to receive official credentials for their acquired skills.
- Improving the quality of the national workforce by aligning skills training with industry standards and labor market needs.
Program Options and Structure
The training opportunity is structured into three key programs, each tailored to different groups of applicants based on their educational background and professional experience.
1. Regular Programs for Form Four Leavers
This option is designed for recent secondary school graduates who have completed their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The program offers foundational technical training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and solar installation.
- Duration: Two academic terms of institutional training followed by a three-month mandatory industrial attachment.
- Eligibility: KCSE holders (minimum grade D– and above) with interest in the listed trades.
- Outcome: Graduates will receive a National Skills Certificate and be well-prepared for employment or further education.
2. Skill Upgrading for Industry Workers
This track targets individuals currently working in the construction industry but who have not undergone formal training or obtained recognized qualifications. These may include self-taught artisans, informal sector workers, or employees trained through apprenticeship.
- Duration: Three months of structured training in the institution, followed by three months of supervised industrial attachment.
- Eligibility: Industry workers aged between 18 and 35 years without formal certification.
- Selection Process: Beneficiaries for this category will be selected in partnership with the Kenya Building Construction, Timber and Furniture Industries Employees Union.
- Objective: To formalize skills, improve safety and efficiency at work, and enhance access to better-paying job opportunities.
3. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment
For experienced professionals who have gained extensive skills through work but do not possess any official documentation or certification, the RPL process offers a pathway to credentialing.
- Eligibility: Skilled workers with significant hands-on experience in the relevant fields.
- Assessment: Candidates will undergo a structured evaluation to determine competency and may be required to undertake short refresher modules.
- Outcome: Successful participants will be awarded certificates aligned with national standards.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the training and assessments, candidates will be awarded one or more of the following nationally recognized certifications:
- National Skills Certificate II (NSC II) – issued by NITA.
- Government Trade Test Certificates – Grades III, II, and I, depending on performance and level of training completed.
These qualifications are widely recognized in Kenya and the broader East African region and can significantly enhance employability in both the formal and informal sectors.
Training Centre and Intake Details
- Training Centre: NITA Athi River, one of the Authority’s premier technical training institutions.
- Intake Date: September 2025.
- Training Fees: Fully covered under the scholarship program, including tuition and examination costs.
- Industrial Attachment: All trainees will be placed in certified workplaces for practical experience as part of the training package.
Target Groups
The scholarship is open to several key groups of individuals, including:
- Youth artisans aged 18 to 35 years who are currently employed in the construction industry but lack formal qualifications.
- Form four leavers with KCSE grades of D– or above who wish to pursue a technical career path.
- Skilled workers with prior experience but no certification, who can benefit from the RPL process.
- Women and girls are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with the program’s commitment to gender inclusivity and equitable access to education.
Application Guidelines
Interested applicants should prepare and submit the following documents:
- An application letter clearly indicating the trade or course area of interest (e.g., Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar Installation).
- A copy of their KCSE Certificate or result slip.
- A copy of their National Identification Card (ID).
All applications must be submitted by email to:
Email Address: [email protected]
Application Period: 26 May 2025 to 6 June 2025
Deadline: All applications must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, 6th June 2025.
Late submissions will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship presents a rare and valuable opportunity for young people and industry workers to:
- Acquire practical, job-ready skills that are in high demand across Kenya and the region.
- Gain recognized certification that improves employability and career growth.
- Receive hands-on experience through industrial attachment in reputable companies.
- Access training without the burden of tuition or exam fees.
Whether you are just starting your journey in the trades or are already working but lack formal qualifications, this program offers a supportive, government-backed path to success.
The Kenya TVET Project 2025, implemented by NITA and supported by the Danish Government, is a transformative initiative that empowers individuals through skills development. By targeting both form four leavers and informal sector workers, the program addresses key gaps in access to technical education and promotes inclusive economic growth. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly and take full advantage of this fully funded opportunity to enhance their skills and transform their lives.
For further information, applicants may contact the NITA Athi River Centre through the provided email or visit the official NITA website at www.nita.go.ke.
NITA Scholarship Opportunity – Kenya TVET Project 2025
Nairobi: May 26, 2025
Unlock Your Future in the Trades!
Are you passionate about Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, or Solar work? NITA, in partnership with the Danish Government, is offering fully funded scholarships under the Kenya TVET Project 2025!
Whether you’re a form four leaver or a skilled worker without formal certification — this is your chance to gain skills, get certified, and grow your career.
Deadline: 6th June 2025 at 5 PM
Apply now via: [email protected]
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