On Friday, the Community Advocacy and Awareness Trust (CRAWN Trust) led a pivotal gender dialogue on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policies and practices in Kenya’s coastal region. The event, held in Mombasa County, was part of the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training (KBEST) program spearheaded by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and supported by Global Affairs Canada.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties, including Vocational Training Directors, Chief County Officers, and leaders of various Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs). These experts and advocates gathered to examine how TVETs can be leveraged to advance gender equality and improve women’s participation in the blue economy.
The session was officially opened by Joel Oloo, Senior Technical Advisor for the KBEST program, who offered a compelling introduction to the initiative. Oloo emphasized the importance of closing gender gaps within blue economy sectors—ranging from marine transport and fishing to coastal tourism and maritime conservation. He underscored the blue economy’s potential as a powerful driver of economic inclusion, particularly for women and youth in coastal communities.
“This program isn’t just about technical training,” said Oloo. “It’s about transforming how we think about opportunity—ensuring that women and marginalized groups have the tools to fully participate in and benefit from the emerging blue economy.”
Participants engaged in robust discussions aimed at identifying areas where policy changes and targeted advocacy could help remove systemic barriers that hinder women’s involvement in TVET programs and related industries. Stakeholders also explored practical ways to integrate gender-responsive approaches in curriculum design, skills development, and job placement strategies.
The workshop represents a critical step toward ensuring that Kenya’s coastal blue economy develops in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive. As the sector continues to expand, dialogues such as this one play an essential role in shaping equitable policy and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The KBEST program, with support from Global Affairs Canada, continues to invest in inclusive capacity-building efforts across Kenya, reinforcing the idea that gender equality is not just a social goal, but an economic imperative.
