The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Danish Government, is proud to announce a nationwide call for applications under the Kenya TVET Project 2025. This scholarship initiative is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to support young people and existing workers who wish to acquire formal technical qualifications, improve their career prospects, and contribute to Kenya’s industrial growth and economic development.
Under this program, successful applicants will receive fully sponsored training, practical industrial exposure, and formal certification, all at no cost. The program will be implemented at NITA Athi River, a center known for its excellence in vocational education and industry-focused training. With the next intake scheduled for September 2025, eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their applications between May 26 and June 6, 2025.
The scholarship opportunity is more than just an educational intervention—it is a pathway to formal employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance for thousands of Kenyans who are currently locked out of opportunities due to lack of certification or financial means.
The Need for Technical Certification
In recent years, Kenya has experienced rapid industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and increased investment in various sectors of the economy. These developments have significantly boosted demand for technically skilled professionals. Unfortunately, a large segment of the labor force remains informally trained and uncertified, limiting their employment prospects and earnings potential.
Workers without recognized credentials often face barriers in accessing quality jobs, securing contracts, or participating in structured employment programs. This scholarship seeks to eliminate those barriers by offering a nationally recognized certification process that includes both theoretical and practical training.
Moreover, technical education has been identified as a key component in achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to decent work, inclusive growth, and equitable education. This program therefore contributes not only to individual transformation but also to national development goals.
Program Structure and Tracks
The scholarship offers three structured tracks, each tailored to meet the needs of different segments of the population.
1. Regular Training Track
This track is designed for individuals who have completed secondary school and are seeking to acquire technical skills to improve their employability. The program includes structured institutional training followed by a compulsory industrial attachment period. The dual model ensures that trainees not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop hands-on experience in real-world working environments.
Participants will be equipped with essential skills aligned to industry standards. By the end of the training cycle, graduates will be prepared for immediate entry into the labor market or self-employment.
2. Skill Upgrading Track
This track is targeted at individuals who are already working in technical fields but lack formal training or certification. Many workers in Kenya have acquired skills informally through apprenticeship or on-the-job learning but have no formal recognition of their abilities.
Through this program, such workers are offered structured training that builds on their existing competencies. The training duration is shorter than the regular track but includes a balance of institutional learning and supervised practical attachment. Selection into this category is coordinated in partnership with labor unions and sector associations to ensure that those most in need benefit from the opportunity.
3. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Track
The RPL assessment process offers an innovative approach to certification by validating knowledge and experience acquired through informal means. This track is ideal for experienced workers who can demonstrate their competencies but lack academic or professional documentation.
Participants in this track undergo a structured assessment conducted by certified professionals. Where gaps in knowledge are identified, short refresher courses may be provided to bring the candidate up to standard. Upon successful completion, participants receive national certification that enhances their credibility, employability, and access to business opportunities.
Duration and Training Site
All training activities under this scholarship will be conducted at the NITA Athi River Training Centre. This state-of-the-art institution is equipped with modern training facilities, experienced instructors, and strong industry linkages. Trainees will have access to resources that simulate real-world working conditions, allowing for effective skill acquisition.
The duration of training varies depending on the selected track. Regular programs may span two academic terms, followed by a three-month industrial attachment, while skill upgrading programs typically last six months. RPL assessments are more flexible, depending on the individual’s existing competency level and the need for supplementary training.
Industrial attachments are compulsory for all participants. These placements are arranged with established companies and organizations that provide exposure to current industry practices and work ethics. The attachment period plays a vital role in preparing trainees for employment and enabling them to apply what they have learned in real-life scenarios.
Certification and Credentials
At the end of the training or assessment period, successful participants will receive nationally recognized certifications awarded by the National Industrial Training Authority. These include the National Skills Certificate and relevant Government Trade Test certifications.
Such certifications are widely accepted by employers in Kenya and the East African region. They represent a formal recognition of competency, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to perform technical tasks in compliance with national occupational benchmarks.
Possession of these credentials significantly enhances the individual’s job market profile. It opens doors to formal employment, contract work, government tenders, and participation in international labor mobility programs where qualifications are a prerequisite.
Target Beneficiaries
The scholarship program is inclusive and targets a diverse range of applicants. Specific emphasis is placed on:
- Kenyan youth aged 18 to 35 years who have completed secondary school and are seeking to build a technical career.
- Individuals currently working in technical fields who lack formal certification and require skill upgrading.
- Experienced workers in informal employment seeking formal recognition through RPL assessment.
- Women and girls, who are encouraged to apply and participate in traditionally male-dominated technical careers.
The program is committed to gender equity and social inclusion. NITA recognizes the challenges that women face in accessing technical education and has implemented supportive measures to ensure that female trainees thrive in the learning environment. These include mentorship, gender-sensitive facilities, and a safe training atmosphere.
Financial Support
One of the most important features of this scholarship program is that it is fully funded. All tuition, examination, and certification fees are covered by the partnership between NITA and the Danish Government.
Participants are not required to pay any training-related costs. This financial support eliminates a significant barrier for many Kenyans who are otherwise unable to afford quality technical training. While the program does not cover personal expenses such as accommodation or meals, the elimination of tuition costs makes it accessible to a much wider segment of the population.
Application Process
To apply for this life-changing opportunity, interested individuals must prepare and submit the following documents:
Click here to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their documents. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification. All communication regarding selection and placement will be conducted via email, and shortlisted candidates may be called for interviews or further documentation.
Transforming Lives and Building a Nation
The NITA scholarship is more than just a training program—it is a tool for social transformation. By equipping individuals with certified skills, it empowers them to seek better opportunities, escape poverty, and participate meaningfully in national development. Whether a young person seeking a first job, or a mature worker aiming to formalize existing skills, this initiative provides the means to change one’s circumstances through education.
Beyond the individual, the impact of this program extends to families, communities, and the nation. Skilled workers are vital to the realization of infrastructural goals, housing projects, and sustainable development. By building human capital, the Kenya TVET Project 2025 helps ensure that Kenya remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Takeaway
The National Industrial Training Authority, in partnership with the Danish Government, is offering an exceptional opportunity for Kenyans to gain formal certification and technical skills at no cost. With three distinct program tracks designed to cater to different backgrounds, and a fully-funded support structure, the scholarship under the Kenya TVET Project 2025 represents a significant step toward inclusive, practical, and impactful education.
The call for applications is now open, and all eligible individuals are urged to take advantage of this opportunity. Investing in one’s skills is the most effective way to improve one’s future, gain independence, and contribute to national progress.
