Kenya is about to experience an improved technical education scene. A new deal inked with Italy will help modernize as many as 70 TVET colleges to offer students the latest equipment and tools.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday, February 9, 2026, President William Ruto said the initiative aligns with Kenya’s strategy to make TVETs the backbone of industrial transformation and technology-driven growth
The agreement wants to bring modern equipment to TVET campuses with the aim of imparting practical skills that are relevant in today’s job market, think artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and such other technical disciplines
“We don’t want our young people left behind in technology,” he said. “This time, Kenya wants to build and wield artificial intelligence, not just watch others use it,” Ruto said during the signing..
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ong’era, alias Ogamba, observed that the new agreement replaced an older framework whose provisions no longer matched the country’s aspirations. Much focus is now on digital learning, modern technology, and collaborative research that was not previously available.
Italy’s Minister for University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, was keen to underline the fact that the deal goes beyond equipment. It will permit trips for students and teachers coming from both countries, thus allowing Kenyan and Italian students, researchers, and teachers to study, teach, and also conduct research together.
The collaboration also intends to fuel joint research into renewable energy, climate change, and applied artificial intelligence.
To many Kenyan youth, these improved TVET colleges are seen as the route to keener skills and better employment, thus securing a brighter future.
