Kenya’s Naivas partners with seven TVET institutions to boost retail skills, youth employment

Kenyan retail giant Naivas Limited signed formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with seven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions on Thursday to strengthen skills development, enhance employability, and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the country’s retail sector.

The partnership signing ceremony, hosted at the retailer’s Nairobi head office, was graced by the Principal Secretary for TVET alongside Naivas Chief Executive Officer Andreas Von Paleske, senior management teams, government officials, and key education sector stakeholders.

The collaboration is specifically anchored on training and developing industry-ready talent for Naivas’ Fresh Department, focusing on specialized functions such as Bakery and Deli. According to the retailer, the partnership has already facilitated the recruitment of more than 300 graduates and students into various stores across the country.

For several years, Naivas has collaborated closely with technical institutions to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and workplace realities. Under the new framework, Naivas Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the Bakery and Deli divisions participate directly in reviewing and aligning training curricula with current industry standards. Students also benefit from structured industrial attachments that provide practical exposure and professional grounding.

Speaking during the ceremony, Naivas CEO Andreas Von Paleske emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in local talent and creating meaningful career pathways for young Kenyans.

Beyond workforce training, the partnership has cultivated a mutually beneficial commercial ecosystem, with participating institutions engaging with Naivas as suppliers and retail partners to drive shared economic value.

The Principal Secretary for TVET Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria lauded the initiative as a benchmark for industry-led collaboration, noting that aligning educational curricula with practical, market-relevant employer needs is vital for national development and youth empowerment.