Kenya’s technical education system is increasingly seen as a key source of workers for international business operations, according to analysts at the NCBA Economic Forum 2026.
Economist David Ndii noted that TVET enrolment has now overtaken university enrolment, underscoring a shift toward practical skills that match labour‑market needs.
He linked this trend to the expanding demand for technical, digital and operational capabilities as multinational firms organise shared‑services functions across borders.
Shared‑services centres, which centralise functions for multiple markets, create a need for employees with technical, administrative and coordination skills.
Glovo’s Kenya operation, cited by Ndii, employs roughly 600 staff who support the company’s activities in 21 different markets, illustrating the scale of Kenya‑based support for regional and global businesses.
Such roles connect local workers to international business processes, offering employment in technology‑enabled services beyond the domestic market.
The discussion emphasized that aligning TVET curricula with employer requirements can ensure graduates possess the specialised skills needed for these positions.
Conversely, businesses benefit from a ready pool of technically trained staff, facilitating the expansion of operations and the establishment of local teams to serve multiple markets.
Overall, the ability of Kenya to capture growth in technology‑driven business services will hinge on how effectively its education system prepares workers for the technical and operational demands of international firms.
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