Kenya has taken a significant step toward expanding access to technical and vocational education following the official endorsement of the country’s first fully online eTVET institution, a move expected to open up training opportunities for thousands of young people, working professionals, and persons living with disabilities.
The Government has approved the operations of EUNI Training Institute, in partnership with the European Business Institute of Luxembourg (EBU), enabling the institution to offer accredited online Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes aimed at making skills development more accessible, flexible and affordable.
The virtual launch brought together government officials, education experts, diaspora representatives and international partners, all of whom hailed the initiative as a transformative development for Kenya’s education sector.
Expanding Access Through Digital Learning
Speaking during the launch, James Muchiri, Director in the State Department for TVET and Competency-Based Education and Training, said the online model aligns with the government’s efforts to modernize vocational education and ensure no learner is left behind.
He noted that digital platforms provide an opportunity to reach learners who may face barriers accessing traditional training institutions, including individuals in remote areas, employed professionals seeking additional qualifications, and persons with disabilities.
“Such initiatives provide innovative approaches to skills development and complement existing TVET institutions by expanding access to quality training through flexible learning models,” said Muchiri.
He emphasized that Competency-Based Education and Training remains central to Kenya’s skills agenda by focusing on practical skills acquisition, industry needs and employability.
Diaspora Partnerships Driving Education Opportunities
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs welcomed the initiative, describing it as an example of how diaspora partnerships can contribute to national development.
Speaking on behalf of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Irene Karari Kamau said collaborations with institutions such as EBU have already created substantial educational opportunities for Kenyans.
According to Kamau, more than 4,000 scholarships have been awarded through previous partnerships in fields including business, technology, artificial intelligence and data science.
“We remain committed to building strategic partnerships that strengthen education, skills development and technology transfer while creating opportunities for Kenyans both locally and abroad,” she said.
Focus on Future Skills and Global Recognition
EUNI and EBU officials said the institution will offer internationally recognized diploma programmes designed to equip learners with skills needed in an increasingly digital economy.
Dr. James Mulli, Academic Dean and Founder of EBU, said the institution’s programmes will provide dual qualifications recognized both locally and internationally.
“What makes our model unique is that learners will graduate with globally recognized credentials while gaining exposure to emerging technologies and future-focused skills,” he said.
Among the areas targeted for training are artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, digital business and innovation.
Students will also gain practical exposure to modern AI-powered learning tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity and DeepSeek, which are increasingly shaping education and workplace productivity globally.
Supporting Kenya’s Industrial and Economic Growth
Education stakeholders noted that strengthening TVET education remains critical to Kenya’s industrialization agenda and long-term economic growth.
Former TVETA Director of Accreditation and Outreach Services Fred Oanda said integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into vocational training will help ensure graduates remain competitive in the evolving labour market.
Meanwhile, Hellen Chilisa, Chairperson of the EBU Board of Directors and former Deputy Permanent Secretary in Botswana, described TVET as the foundation of successful industrial economies worldwide.
“Countries with strong manufacturing sectors and sustained economic growth have invested heavily in technical and vocational training. Skilled workers remain essential even as the world embraces artificial intelligence and automation,” she said.
She added that the EBU-EUNI partnership is built on two key principles: affordability and accessibility, ensuring more learners can acquire market-ready skills regardless of their location or financial circumstances.
The launch marks a new chapter for Kenya’s TVET sector, with education leaders expressing optimism that digital vocational learning will help bridge skills gaps, enhance employability and create new pathways to economic empowerment for young people across the country.
