Fridah Simba
Dr. Fridah Simba is a pioneering Kenyan educationist and the Founding Director of the JKUAT TVET Institute, Kenya’s first university-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training institute. Established under her leadership, the Institute represents a bold reimagining of how universities and TVET systems can co-exist to produce highly skilled, work-ready graduates aligned with national industrialization goals. With a background in education leadership and development planning, Dr Fridah has positioned the institute at the forefront of competency-based training, industry partnerships, and youth employability.
She’s credited with fostering a hands-on learning environment that blends technical rigor with soft skills training, ensuring students don’t just graduate with knowledge, but with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in fast-changing job markets. Passionate about gender equity in education, Dr Fridah has been intentional about mentoring young women into technical fields, and continues to advocate for more inclusive enrollment and leadership pipelines across TVET institutions.
A recipient of national recognition, including being named among Kenya’s “Top 40 Under 40 Women”, she is widely regarded as one of the leading voices shaping Kenya’s TVET transformation. She is also active in public discourse, regularly contributing to conversations on educational reform, youth empowerment, and innovation through her writing and speaking engagements.