In a move set to empower local economies and contribute to a greener future, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) played a critical role in a consultative meeting convened to guide the development of a Green Skilling Guidebook for county governments. This collaborative effort is designed to provide counties with practical strategies to integrate green skills into their workforce development, preparing Kenyans for the more than 300,000 green jobs expected to emerge by 2030 and accelerating the nation's climate-smart economic transition.

KEPSA was represented by Dr. Jackson Kinyanjui Koimbori, Head of KEPSA Consult, Circular Economy & Climate Change, in the event, which was held on 20^th May 2025 in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. He delivered keynote remarks on behalf of the alliance, emphasising the urgent need to equip Kenya’s workforce with skills that align with climate-smart economic development.

The forum was organised by the Council of Governors (CoG) in collaboration with relevant national ministries and development partners. It brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including Vocational Training Directors from all 47 Counties in Kenya, national agencies, development partners, and the private sector. The goal was to co-develop a practical and inclusive guidebook to help counties mainstream green skills development into their planning and workforce strategies.

In his address, Dr. Koimbori highlighted the significance of green skills in shaping Kenya’s economic future. He referenced ILO projections showing that over 24 million green jobs could be created globally by 2030, with Kenya expected to generate more than 300,000 — particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green construction, and the circular economy. He emphasised the importance of county-driven solutions that reflect regional priorities, such as blue economy skills for coastal areas and climate-resilient farming for arid counties.

Dr. Koimbori also shared KEPSA’s insights and contributions toward addressing skills gaps in the green economy. He highlighted the alliance’s youth-focused green business training pilots and a grant proposal under development to map green jobs and skills demand within the private sector. He called for inclusive, gender-responsive, and tech-enabled training models that reach grassroots communities and empower youth and vulnerable groups.

This consultative meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening county-level capacity to respond to climate and economic challenges. KEPSA reaffirmed its commitment to this collaborative effort, pledging to work alongside county governments, national institutions, and partners to build a green-skilled, future-ready workforce that drives Kenya’s sustainable and inclusive growth.