June 27, 2026 (Nairobi, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Mutual Recognition Pilot with support from GIZ, commenced a two-day Regional Qualifications Selection Workshop under the IGAD Qualifications Framework (IGADQF) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The workshop brought together representatives from ministries responsible for TVET and education in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, national qualifications authorities, TVET regulatory bodies, technical experts involved in the research phase, GIZ, and the IGAD Secretariat.
Participants selected Electrical and Solar Power Installation and Plumbing and Pipe Fitting as the two pilot qualifications for cross-border mutual recognition among Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. They also agreed on key recognition pathways, institutional roles, verification mechanisms, bridging measures, and recommendations to support the successful implementation of the qualification recognition process.
Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Moussa Meigague, Director of the Health and Social Development Division, Mr. Fisseha Meseret, Programme Officer, noted that the IGAD TVET Mutual Recognition initiative seeks to establish mechanisms through which qualifications, competencies, and skills acquired in one Member State can be recognised and accepted in another. He explained that this will facilitate labour mobility, improve employability, and contribute to economic growth and regional competitiveness.
Mr. Fisseha further emphasised that the IGAD TVET Mutual Recognition Pilot represents a practical and transformative initiative under the IGAD Qualifications Framework.
“The pilot focuses on Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan and builds upon earlier regional assessments of labour market demand and the qualifications held by refugees, returnees, and host communities,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Mr. Samatar Natalis, GIZ Team Leader for the SIMPI Programme in Djibouti, Mr. Gueid Hassan Elmi, GIZ SIMPI Project Officer, highlighted that the consultancy forms part of a pilot initiative jointly led by the GIZ SIMPI Project and IGAD.
“This is the final validation workshop on the TVET qualifications selected for mutual recognition among IGAD Member States,” he said.
Representing the host country, Mr. Isaiah Lule Mbeta of the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC), TVET, Ministry of Education, Kenya, expressed appreciation for the leadership provided by IGAD and the continued support of GIZ.
“The insights shared on country findings, pathways for mutual recognition, opportunities, and challenges have provided a strong foundation for advancing this important regional agenda,” he noted.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions, technical presentations, and experience-sharing sessions that reinforced the importance of strengthening regional collaboration to enhance the quality, relevance, and mutual recognition of TVET qualifications.
The workshop confirmed Electrical and Solar Power Installation and Plumbing and Pipe Fitting as the two priority qualifications to be piloted for cross-border mutual recognition between Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Participants also endorsed recommendations on recognition pathways, institutional responsibilities, verification mechanisms, and bridging measures necessary for successful implementation.
This workshop is the second in a series of regional engagements that began in February 2026 in Djibouti, where an initial workshop defined the scope of the research mission to identify TVET programmes and qualifications suitable for regional mutual recognition.
