Kenya’s comparative advantage lies in its dynamic, versatile, and youthful population, an asset that can serve as a diplomatic tool in engaging the global community.
This idea came to me during a panel discussion on technology and talent exchange at the First Africa-China Agri-Tech and Industrial Cooperation Forum held on June 24, 2025, in Nairobi, where I participated as a speaker.
It is worth noting that national interest is the cornerstone of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Often, countries maintain diplomatic ties to attract investment, strengthen trade, and advance mutual development goals. Kenya has already demonstrated the strategic use of labour diplomacy, notably through the labour export agreement with Germany.
However, instead of focusing solely on exporting labour, how about we flip the narrative? Why not retain our talented youth, develop their skills further, and invite investors to establish operations here – leveraging Kenya’s adaptable and abundant human capital? This approach could help address the youth unemployment crisis while bolstering industrial growth.
To support this strategic shift, we must invest more in the development and signalling of national technical skills. This is where TVET becomes crucial.
Through the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework – especially modularised and dual training models – Kenya can demonstrate readiness to host and sustain investment by cultivating a skilled and work-ready labour force.
Moreover, empowering youth to establish enterprises through technical knowledge and skills not only uplifts communities but also sends a strong signal of national preparedness. It shows we are not just training youth – we are equipping them to power economic transformation.
On the sidelines of the Africa-China conference, I encouraged Chinese companies to offer attachment opportunities to Kenyan TVET trainees, partner in co-developing curricula, and support exchange programmes with local institutions. Such collaborations would foster innovation, transfer of skills, and a shared future in agro-industrial growth for the betterment of people and the planet.
At the heart of these engagements lies the concept of food systems diplomacy and climate diplomacy. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals – particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) – requires global-local cooperation and coordination.
Developing relevant skills is no longer optional; it is a shared mandate. As such, the South-South cooperation framework advanced by China can play a key role.
In the process of elevating the place of TVETs in Kenya, it is important to appreciate that technical and vocational skills are emerging as a new frontier of diplomatic engagement. Kenya must seize this moment to make its youth and their skills the centrepiece of international cooperation.
The writer is a UN global food systems Youth Leader, a vocational and technical Trainer, and a communication Consultant
Original article from People Daily Digital
