Sirera, Merecia A.M.2016-04-152016-04-152014International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 2 No. 9 September 20142411-5681http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/14575Research ArticleThe government of Kenya concern with the mismatch between education outcomes and the economic needs has led to several curriculum reviews but with little success. This article examines the factors that shape skill formation for economic development in Kenya. It draws on research carried out in Kenya to establish the global, national and local factors that shape skill formation for economic development in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to understand the mismatch between secondary education outcomes and the skill needs in the Kenyan economy. The study used the construct of skill formation as a conceptual framework. This framework takes into account the social, political and economic factors that influence the demand for and supply of skills. Key participants in this study were stakeholders in secondary education. The findings challenge some held assumptions about the relationship between education and economic activities in developing countriesenSkill formationSocial political factorsEconomic developmentGlobalizationEducationArticle