Influence of Matching the Training Offered in TVET Institutions with the Industry Expectations on the Employment of the TVET Graduates in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Employment remains a major indicator of socio-economic development in developing countries. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are expected to equip trainees with practical skills, competencies, and attitudes demanded in the labour market. Yet many TVET graduates in Kenya remain unemployed, a situation frequently attributed to a mismatch between training and industry expectations. This study examined how matching the training offered in TVET institutions with industry expectations influences the employment of TVET graduates in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Adopting a mixed-method approach and descriptive survey design grounded in Human Capital Theory, the study targeted 31 TVET institutions, 360 TVET graduates, and 110 industry experts. Stratified and simple random sampling were used; data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis; quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Regression analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between perceived training-industry alignment and employment (B = 0.047, p = 0.047; partial r = 0.11), self-reported job competence and employment (B = 0.028, p = 0.016; partial r = 0.18), and working in the trained field and employment (B = 0.194, p = 0.012; partial r = 0.22). Qualitative analysis highlighted practice-theory gaps, brief and weakly assessed industrial attachments, limited curriculum co-design with employers, and underdeveloped employability skills as root causes of misalignment. The study concludes that aligning TVET curricula, pedagogy, assessment, and industrial exposure with industry expectations enhances employability. It recommends structured, assessed attachments; annual curriculum refresh with employer panels; externally moderated practical assessments; and prioritized investment in industry-representative equipment and employability practice.