Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), in partnership with the Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC), has celebrated the graduation of 27 young people from Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlement under its flagship INUA by KWAL programme, with more than 40 per cent of the graduates already securing permanent employment in the hospitality sector.
The vocational training initiative, designed to address youth unemployment, has also achieved a 100 per cent transition rate from training to industry internships, demonstrating the programme’s success in equipping vulnerable youth with practical skills and employment opportunities.
The two-year programme provides hospitality training, globally recognised certifications, and hands-on industry experience through partnerships with leading hospitality brands, including Hilton and the Tamarind Group.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, KWAL Managing Director Lina Githuka said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to creating lasting social impact through collaboration.
“At KWAL, we believe that a better world is not built in isolation. It is crafted when we bring our unique skills and resources to lift our communities. Our partnership with MPC helps us realise our purpose, which is to craft the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better future,” she said.
Githuka noted that the programme is focused on transforming potential into opportunity by equipping young people from underserved communities with industry-relevant skills that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The 2026 graduation cohort marks a significant milestone for the initiative, with all 27 graduates progressing to internships and 11 already securing permanent jobs within the hospitality industry.
INUA by KWAL targets young adults from vulnerable backgrounds who would otherwise struggle to finance vocational education. Beyond classroom learning, participants receive practical workplace exposure through apprenticeship placements in hotels and hospitality establishments.
According to KWAL, the programme contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting quality education, decent work, and inclusive economic growth.
Mukuru Promotion Centre Director Sister Mary Kileen said partnerships between community institutions and the private sector are essential in expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
“Institutions like MPC serve as a critical bridge between vulnerable communities and opportunity.
Partners like KWAL, who invest in education and vocational training, help us unlock talent that might otherwise go unnoticed, contributing to sustainable development where it is needed most,” she said.
KWAL said it will continue investing in sustainable community partnerships through its Care for People corporate promise, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive economic growth and social cohesion across Kenya.
