Young Kenyans at the root of development: the St. Kizito model

On World Youth Skills Day 2024, AVSI shares the results of a collaborative study with St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute about its impact on job creation.

Kenya. SAINT KIZITO WELDING STUDENT SHOWCASES HIS SKILL IN THE WELDING PRACTICALS AREA
Countries Kenya
Date 15.07.2024
Author By Elkana Korir, Communication Manager for AVSI in Kenya

St. Kizito vocational training institute: a model to enhance youth skills

The St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute in Nairobi, Kenya was founded in 1994 by AVSI, Kenya through funds from the Italian Cooperation. AVSI responded to the desire of Cardinal Maurice Otunga to build a school that would allow the highly vulnerable young people to be able to receive quality education, learn a skill, secure decent jobs and have a dignified future.

In the last 30 years, about 20,000 students have gone through the vocational training program taking the long-term courses (18 – 24 months) such as motor vehicle mechanics, electrical installation & electronics, wood technology and cabinet making, or plumbing and metalwork. Yearly, 500 - 800 students graduate from St. Kizito with 40 percent of them female. The commitment to promoting youth self-discovery matched with the practical knowledge of what it takes to learn a craft is what sets St. Kizito apart from other institutions offering technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. 

In the recent years, St. Kizito focused on further developing: 

  • partnerships with the private sector: currently at 70 collaborations;
  • monitoring system: tracing students from enrolment, during training, and post-graduation; 
  • active promotion of female vocational education: outreach at female secondary schools;
  • minimum computer literacy: Ensuring all students attain basic computer skills;
  • supporting green transition: Staying at the forefront of technological advancements.  

The study about the impact of St. Kizito model

Comparison with other experiences (benchmarks) 

St. Kizito’s former students show a remarkable employment rate, with 66 percent of them employed, whereas the general employment rate for youth aged 20 to 24 in Nairobi is around 27 percent. This means that there is 150 percent more likelihood of St. Kizito former students to be in employment. 

56.5 percent of students are paid above the minimum wage hence the ability to gain financial autonomy which has contributed to 53.4 percent accessing the social health insurance with no signs of job insecurity – all such outcomes tend to improve even further as students spend time in the job market. 

St. Kizito’s exceptional performance can be attributed to its diverse course, offerings investment in valuable internship experiences, and strong linkages with the private sector. St. Kizito alumni are emboldened by the top-notch tutor guidance, comprehensive technical and soft skills education, and valuable work experience they gained during their time at the institution. 

Gender aspect 

St. Kizito has doubled its efforts in reaching out to female youth and promoting gender balance in the trades and ultimately workplace. 40 percent of the school’s population is made up of female students. Collaboration with the funding community to enhance girl child enrolment especially in the non-traditional course such as electrical, welding, mechanics and plumbing has contributed to this significant surge. 

Still, the gap in the likelihood to be employed is quite marked; males have 50% higher chances to be in employment. A similar gap is to be found in the Kenyan job markets. 

Employers’ views on St. Kizito students and former students  

St. Kizito champions a competency-based training model characterized by 50 percent time spent on theoretical and practical work at school and 50 percent further spent in the industry to enhance practical skilling using latest equipment and market technology.  

St. Kizito are always prompt in communication and follow up on their students to see how they are doing, which makes the relationship and collaboration very easy. 

One of the employers from the private companies

In the last years, St. Kizito has expanded its network of partnerships with private companies, currently comprising 60 firms. This cements the dual training approach methodology and ensures that the students are well equipped with skills that are relevant to the job market. Employers have in this regard, appreciated the effort taken by the institution, to do a personal journey by accompanying the students effectively even during their attachments.  

60 percent of the St. Kizito students under the dual training system have been hired by the same companies that attached them. More so, 50 percent of the employers' rate St. Kizito alumni among the best employees in their companies. 

Former students’ view on St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute

“The education here combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. – Terry Muchiri, St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute alumni states –  This difference became clear when I entered the job market and saw that many students from other schools lacked the skills for simple tasks. The proper education I received opened opportunities for me and now I am a proud director of three companies; I’m living proof that the education at St. Kizito works.

Terry values the journey she made with St. Kizito family 16 years ago. She attributes her prowess in electrical field to the strong foundation that was instilled in her by her enthusiastic teachers and supervisors. She echoes the effort made not only to empower young girls in male-dominated fields but also to promote life skills, business skills and entrepreneur mindsets.

In addition to the technical knowledge, former students of St. Kizito underlined the feeling of being valued by the people met at school, starting from the teachers, and the whole institution, as the most important factor contributing to their success at St. Kizito and in their job areas.

This revelation is contributed by St. Kizito’s vision to promote self-value, dignity and talents through communitarian life thus acquiring spiritual and life skills while enhancing teacher-students’ relations.

Through St. Kizito Institute, many youths, who are ambassadors of development and peace have been able to enter the job market, with the collective awareness in their employment areas or otherwise, having the ability to start their own trade.

Terry Muchiri, St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute alumni, Kenya
Terry Muchiri, St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute alumni, Kenya

The World Youth Skills Day 

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. The World Youth Skills Day 2024 focuses on Youth Skills for Peace and Development.

Subscribe to AVSI newsletter

Sign up to receive news and information on our work in the world.