Mombasa County has introduced specialised vocational training programmes aimed at equipping young people with practical skills for employment in maritime, hospitality, and technical fields. The initiative, launched at Mtongwe Vocational Training Centre in Likoni, is part of the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training (KBEST) Programme.
The courses will also be available at Kisauni Vocational Training Centre, broadening access across the county. Training options include outboard engine repair, marine refrigeration and air conditioning, baking technology, accommodation operations, and basic safety and firefighting. These are tailored to prepare learners for careers in maritime transport, tourism, hospitality, and marine services.
Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir emphasised the need for vocational education to provide market-relevant skills that translate into employment and income opportunities. He highlighted the blue economy's potential in sectors such as maritime transport, tourism, and ship repair, noting the county's commitment to expanding training programmes and strengthening partnerships with industry players.
Additional county efforts include the commissioning of a daycare facility under the Second Chance Programme to support young mothers pursuing vocational education. Infrastructure developments also feature a new automotive workshop and two early childhood development classrooms to enhance practical training and learning environments.
Partnerships and Future Outlook
The KBEST Programme is implemented in collaboration with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). Governor Nassir pointed out that collaboration between training institutions, development organisations, and the private sector is vital for creating employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
Furthermore, the county’s Tourism Innovation Hub aims to connect graduates to employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities within tourism and maritime-related industries.
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Mombasa, addressing youth unemployment by aligning skills development with emerging coastal industries.
