Integration of Transferable Skills into Basic and TVET Levels for Employability of Women in Kenya

This study evaluates effects of enhanced basic and vocational skills on employability of women and girls in Kenya. There is an apparent link between transferable skills and access to employment and entrepreneurship for women and girls (Rankin et al., 2015). This has not been adequately analysed in Kenya. Emerging evidence indicates that cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal competencies can be taught and learned in ways that promote transfer of skills. This is facilitated by instructions that help learners develop a deep understanding of the structure of a problem domain and applicable solutions. The study will focus on two case studies – Project Baobab and Be the Change Programme – that will contribute the evidence and generate lessons for use in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) programmes.

This study will use a mixed research method to collect data that will fill the evidence gap on how to bring training on transferable skills into the formal education systems in Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders who have interacted with the programmes. The respondents will include the project management and the beneficiaries to understand their perspectives on the impact of the two programmes.

Impact of the selected interventions will be measured using a quasi-experiment and after collecting data from treatment and control groups. To evaluate the impact of transferable skills on women’s employability and earnings and school to work transition, the research team will use propensity score matching (PSM) tool.

The project team will be engaging with relevant stakeholders to identify evidence gaps, build demand and inform policy and programmes. The key collaborators are Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development (KICD), and TVET Curriculum Development and Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC).

RESEARCH TEAM

  • Dr. Eldah Onsomu

    Principal Policy Analyst at Social Sector Department, Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

    Dr. Eldah Onsomu is a Principal Policy Analyst at Social Sector Department, Kenya Institute for...

    view profile
  • Dr. Daniel Otieno

    KU WEEHub Researcher

    Dr. Daniel Otieno is a researcher at the KU-WEE Hub, and educator in the Department of Educational...

    view profile
  • Dr. Wilson Mutuma Michubu (Ph.D.)

    KU WEEHub Researcher

    Dr. Wilson Mutuma is a lecturer and researcher in Educational Economics, Policy and Planning at...

    view profile
  • Dr. Hannah Bula

    KU WEEHub Researcher

    Dr. Bula is a researcher with KU-WEE in Transferable skills and school to work transition. She has...

    view profile