Over 50 youth have today graduated with technical skills and financial literacy courtesy of KCB Foundation’s youth enterprise development and job creation programme: 2Jiajiri, in partnership with Matuga Constituency NG-CDF.
The youth who were trained by Rashmmy Beauty College and Tiwi Vocational Training Center graduated with a Grade III Beauty and Therapy certification, following a nine-month hands-on training program.
During the ceremony, 20 comprehensive starter toolkits were provided to the best-performing youths, setting them on a path to launch their micro-enterprises and create employment opportunities for more youths.
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Speaking during the graduation ceremony at the Matuga Technical and Vocational College, KCB Foundation Head of Programmes Bernard Barasa noted that “At KCB Foundation, we are committed to creating opportunities for Kenyan youth across our communities. By partnering with constituencies, we ensure that these opportunities are equitably distributed, kicking off a transformative journey towards self-reliance and economic prosperity.”
Matuga constituency MP, Hon. Tandaza Kassim applauded the collaboration between the KCB Foundation 2jiajiri initiative and the NG-CDF Matuga Constituency as a model of what public and private sector partnerships can achieve in solving challenges and transforming the community.
“We will continue to find opportunities for our youth, as they hold the power to positively transform our communities and when equipped, they serve as catalysts of growth” he added.
KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation have been partnering with counties, the National Government, and other stakeholders in Kenya to implement the Young Africa Works (YAW) program, which trains and equips youths with relevant technical skills, preparing them to thrive in the job market.
Each training lasts for six months and consists of three months in the classroom and three months of industrial attachment to address the technical skills gaps.
Upon completing their attachment, the trainees are channelled into existing employment opportunities. Those aspiring to establish micro-enterprises receive comprehensive support from KCB Bank through KCB Foundation. This includes access to Business Development Services (BDS), trade-specific starter toolkits and working capital to kick-start their ventures successfully.
Since 2016, the 2Jiajiri programme has created 150,555 jobs and trained 35,195 youth in various technical skills countrywide. Currently, 10,954 youth are under the mentorship wing with the KCB Foundation business development officer. KCB Bank has disbursed 267million loans to support youth owned enterprises and issued 2,225 start up toolkits (tools for trade) to 2Jiajiri participants, with 6,535 businesses trained on financial literacy.
